Slow Cooker Pears Poached In Ginger Wine

This easy Slow Cooker Pears Poached in Ginger Wine recipe is a simple and flavorful dessert. With tender pears cooked in sweet, spiced syrup, it’s a perfect warm treat to serve with creamy vanilla ice cream. You can easily adjust the recipe with the ingredients you have on hand for a flexible and delightful dish.

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Recipe Ingredients

750 ml (26 fl oz/3 cups) green ginger wine
660 g (1 lb 7 oz/3 cups) caster (superfine) sugar
1 lime
6 beurre bosc pears, peeled, with the stems left intact
Vanilla ice cream, to serve

How To Make Slow Cooker Pears Poached In Ginger Wine

Prepare the poaching liquid: Pour the ginger wine and 750 ml (26 fl oz/3 cups) of water into the slow cooker. Stir in the sugar.
Add lime zest and juice: Using a vegetable peeler, remove thick strips of zest from the lime, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Squeeze and strain the juice from the lime and add it to the slow cooker with the zest strips.
Poach the pears: Add the pears to the liquid (they will float). Cut a piece of baking paper the size of your slow cooker and lay it directly on the pears. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, or until the pears are tender.
Serve and enjoy: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with some of the syrup.

Recipe Tips

Use ripe pears: Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to ensure they hold their shape during poaching.
Check pear tenderness: After 3 hours, gently pierce the pears with a fork to check if they’re tender. If not, cook them for an additional 30 minutes.
Layer the pears carefully: To ensure even poaching, make sure the pears are submerged in the liquid. Use the baking paper to hold them down.
Strain the syrup: If you prefer a smoother syrup, strain the poaching liquid before serving to remove any lime zest bits.
Serve with extras: For a more substantial dessert, serve the pears with a slice of sponge cake or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for extra flavor and texture.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I Use a Different Type of Pear?

Yes, you can use other varieties like Comice or Bartlett pears. Just make sure they are firm enough to hold their shape during poaching.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can poach the pears a day in advance. Store them in the syrup in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Can I Use a Different Alcohol?

You can substitute ginger wine with white wine, port, or even apple cider for a different flavor profile.

Can I Add More Spices?

Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise for added warmth and depth of flavor.

How Can I Make This Dish More Festive?

Add a splash of brandy or bourbon to the poaching liquid for a richer taste, or top the pears with whipped cream or toasted almonds for extra indulgence.

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