Red Wine Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream

Ingredients

For the Poached Pears

• 4 firm Bosc or Anjou pears, peeled (leave stems on)

• 2 cups red wine

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 star anise

• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)

• 1 strip orange peel

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Mascarpone Cream

• ½ cup mascarpone cheese

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

• Microgreens or mint leaves

• Dark chocolate sticks or cinnamon sticks

• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pears

1. Peel pears carefully while keeping the stems intact.

2. Trim the bottom slightly so they stand upright.

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2. Make the Poaching Liquid

In a saucepan combine:

• red wine

• sugar

• water

• cinnamon stick

• star anise

• vanilla bean

• orange peel

• lemon juice

Bring to a gentle simmer.

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3. Poach the Pears

1. Add pears to the simmering liquid.

2. Cover and cook 20–30 minutes, turning occasionally.

3. Pears should become deep red and tender.

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4. Reduce the Sauce

1. Remove pears and set aside.

2. Continue simmering the poaching liquid until it reduces to a syrup.

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5. Make Mascarpone Cream

In a bowl whisk:

• mascarpone

• heavy cream

• powdered sugar

• vanilla

Beat until smooth and fluffy.

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6. Assemble the Dessert

1. Place a poached pear upright on a plate.

2. Drizzle red wine syrup over the pear.

3. Pipe mascarpone cream on top.

4. Garnish with microgreens, chocolate stick, or mint.

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✅ Result:
A luxurious dessert with tender wine-infused pears, silky mascarpone cream, and rich aromatic syrup.