Poires au Vin Rouge 
(French pears poached in red wine)

French pears poached in red wine
Image by pixabay

As a French dessert, poires au vin rouge is a classic and a fine way to finish an autumn meal when pears are in season. Perfect after a dinner of venison, duck or goose.

Poires au Vin Rouge

Poires au Vin Rouge

Course: Desserts, FruitCuisine: France
Makes

4

servings

As a French dessert, poires au vin rouge is a classic and a fine way to finish an autumn meal when pears are in season. Perfect after a dinner of venison, duck or goose.

Ingredients

  • Pears — 4

  • Red wine — 3 cups

  • Sugar — 1/2 cup

  • Lemon, zest only, peeled in one long strip — 1

  • Cinnamon stick — 1 

Directions

  • Peel the pears, leaving the stem attached, and slice a small piece off the bottom of the pears so they will stand up straight.
  • Add the wine, sugar, lemon zest and cinnamon stick to non-reactive saucepan large enough to hold the pears and bring to a boil over medium flame. Stir to dissolve the sugar completely, then reduce the heat to very low.
  • Place the pears in the simmering wine and poach at a very low simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, carefully turning from time to time. Do not overcook the pears.
  • Remove the pears to individual plates. Bring the wine to a boil again and reduce to about 1 cup. Strain the liquid, pour over the pears and serve.

Poires au Vin Rouge Notes and Variations

  • The pears can be poached ahead of time and held in the poaching liquid either at room temperature or chilled.
  • Bosc pears work particularly well for this dessert.
  • One or two whole cloves and even a few peppercorns may be added to the poaching liquid.

Whats4eats is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.