Imagine a dessert so elegant and sophisticated that it transforms a simple fruit into a luxurious culinary experience. These Amaretto Flavor Poached Pears are not just a dessert; they're an edible work of art that combines the delicate sweetness of ripe pears with the rich, almond-like essence of amaretto liqueur. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a gourmet moment, this French-inspired delicacy promises to elevate your dessert game from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, peeled
- 1 cup amaretto liqueur
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Carefully peel the pears, keeping their whole shape and stems intact. Use a sharp vegetable peeler and work carefully to maintain the pear's elegant form.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the amaretto liqueur, water, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Place the peeled pears upright in the liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged. The liquid should come about three-quarters up the sides of the pears.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not allow the liquid to boil, as this can cause the pears to break down or become mushy.
- Reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Poach the pears for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and color.
- Check the pears' tenderness by inserting a sharp knife into the thickest part. They should be soft but not falling apart.
- Carefully remove the pears from the poaching liquid and set aside on a serving plate to cool slightly.
- Increase heat and reduce the remaining poaching liquid until it becomes a slightly thickened syrup, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drizzle the reduced amaretto syrup over the pears and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose the right pears: Select ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou that will hold their shape during poaching.
- Peeling technique matters: Use a sharp vegetable peeler and peel in long, smooth strokes to maintain the pears' elegant appearance.
- Temperature is crucial: Keep the poaching liquid at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent the pears from becoming mushy.
- Check doneness carefully: Test pear tenderness with a sharp knife - they should be soft but still hold their structure.
- Don't waste the syrup: Reducing the poaching liquid creates a delicious, concentrated sauce that adds depth to your dessert.
- Serving suggestion: The vanilla ice cream isn't just a topping; it's the perfect creamy complement to the warm, spiced pears.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 334kcal
Carbohydrates: 69g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg
