Fragrant Poached Pears ft. February's Spice of the Month

February 15, 2018

Star Anise is February's SPICE OF THE MONTH! Much like bay leaves are used in Western cuisines, whole stars are used to infuse many Vietnamese and Chinese soups, stews, and braised dishes - we hope you love cooking with it as much as we do! Check out our other great recipes this month that feature this great spice!

Fragrant Poached Pears

These are a classic winter dessert, serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

A Well Seasoned Recipe - Visit us in store on 64th Avenue, in Langley, BC

Ingredients

½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1 ¼ cups water
3 whole star anise (available in store at Well Seasoned)
4 whole cloves (available in store at Well Seasoned)
1 cinnamon stick (available in store at Well Seasoned)
½ vanilla bean, cut crosswise in half (available in store at Well Seasoned)
4 medium-size firm but ripe Anjou or Bosc pears (about 2 pounds), peeled, quartered, cored

Instructions:

Combine sugar, 2 tablespoons water, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick and vanilla bean in heavy large saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until syrup turns deep amber, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 9 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add 1 ¼ cups water (mixture will bubble vigorously). Bring to simmer, stirring until pieces of caramel dissolve. Add pears, cover and simmer until tender, turning pears once, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer pears to bowl.
Boil liquid in saucepan until thick and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Pour syrup over pears; toss gently to coat. Chill until cold, at least 3 hours or overnight. Divide pears and syrup among 4 shallow bowls and serve.