Romantic Poached Pears Grape (Printable)

Pears gently simmered in spiced grape juice, finished with a rich syrup and optional fresh garnishes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), peeled, stems intact

→ Poaching Liquid

02 - 3 cups red or white grape juice
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 cinnamon stick
05 - 4 whole cloves
06 - Zest of 1 lemon (in strips)
07 - 1 vanilla bean, split (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)

→ Garnish (optional)

08 - Fresh mint leaves
09 - Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

# How-To Steps:

01 - Peel the pears while keeping the stems intact. Optionally core from the bottom using a melon baller for easier serving.
02 - Combine grape juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, lemon zest, and vanilla bean in a medium saucepan.
03 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
04 - Add pears to the saucepan. Cover with parchment paper round or lid to keep pears submerged in liquid.
05 - Simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, turning pears occasionally, until tender but not mushy.
06 - Carefully remove pears with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving dish.
07 - Increase heat to high and boil poaching liquid for 8-10 minutes until reduced to syrupy consistency. Remove spices and lemon zest.
08 - Drizzle glossy syrup over pears. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with mint, whipped cream, or ice cream if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The grape juice creates this stunning ruby color that makes everyone think you slaved for hours
  • Its naturally dairyfree and alcoholfree but still feels completely elegant and date night worthy
02 -
  • Overripe pears will fall apart during poaching, so choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure but still feel firm
  • Keep the liquid at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to prevent the pears from cooking unevenly
03 -
  • The pears actually taste better the next day as they continue to absorb the spiced syrup, so feel free to make them ahead
  • Save any leftover syrup and drizzle it over vanilla ice cream or pancakes the next morning

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