This heartwarming Gingered Pears dessert from the Fix-it and Forget-it cookbook can be prepared in the slow cooker without any effort using pears, white wine, honey, lemon juice, and ground ginger.

To make Gingered Pears in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply peel the pears and place them upright in a greased cooker. Mix white wine, honey, lemon juice, ginger, nutmeg, and salt, then pour over the pears. Cook on low for 3 to 5 hours until tender.

This dish not only fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma but also offers a perfect ending to any meal.

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What types of pears are best for making Gingered Pears?

For making Gingered Pears, firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou are ideal as they hold their shape well during cooking. Avoid using overly ripe or soft pears, as they may become mushy.

Slow Cooker Gingered Pears Ingredients

• 6 fresh pears with stems intact
• 1 cup of white wine
• 1/3 cup of honey
• 1/2 cup of water
• 3 tbsp of lemon juice
• 1 tsp of ground ginger
• 1 pinch of nutmeg
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup of toasted coconut, for serving

How To Make Slow Cooker Gingered Pears

1. Prepare the pears: Carefully peel the pears while keeping them whole with their stems. If necessary, shave a small portion from the bottom of each pear to ensure they stand upright in the cooker.
2. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the peeled pors upright in a lightly greased slow cooker.
3. Mix the cooking liquid: In a separate bowl, combine the white wine, honey, water, lemon juice, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well until the honey is dissolved and the mixture is uniform.
4. Cook the pears: Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the pears in the slow cooker. Cover and set the cooker to Low. Let the pears cook for 3 to 5 hours, or until they are tender and fully infused with the flavors.
5. Cool the dish: Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker and allow the pears and the cooking liquid to cool slightly. This will thicken the sauce slightly and enhance the flavors.
6. Serve: To serve, place each pear upright in a dessert dish. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the pear for added flavor and moisture. Garnish each pear with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a delightful contrast in textures.

How can I tell if the pears are cooked perfectly?

The pears are perfectly cooked when they are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork but still hold their shape. This balance is usually achieved within the 3 to 5-hour cooking window on low heat.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right pears: Opt for pears that are just ripe enough to yield slightly to pressure. This ensures they maintain their shape during cooking and don’t turn mushy.
• Enhance the flavor: To boost the aroma and flavor, consider adding a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the cooking liquid. Remove these spices before serving, as their job is done by then.
• Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on your pears after the three-hour mark to prevent overcooking. The perfect texture is tender yet firm, not falling apart.
• Adjust sweetness: If your pears and white wine are especially sweet, you might want to reduce the amount of honey. Taste the cooking liquid before adding to find the right balance.

Recipe Variations

• Experiment with wine: Instead of white wine, try using red wine for a deeper, richer flavor and stunning color. A good Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can add a lovely complexity.
• Add some texture: Introduce chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the toasted coconut topping for an extra crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft pears.
• Incorporate other spices: Swap out the ground ginger for cardamom or allspice to give a different warm spice profile. Each spice offers a unique flavor that can make this dish feel new every time.
• Try a citrus twist: Replace the lemon juice with orange or lime juice for a citrusy zing that enhances the fruitiness of the pears.
• Make it savory: For a savory twist, reduce the honey and add a splash of balsamic vinegar. Serve with a sharp cheese like gorgonzola for a sophisticated dessert or appetizer.

What To Serve With Gingered Pears

Serve your Gingered Pears with creamy, rich sides like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or mascarpone. You can also try savory options like aged cheddar or blue cheese to contrast the sweetness.

How To Store Leftover Gingered Pears

In The Fridge:

To store leftover Gingered Pears, place them in a shallow airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. I suggest refrigerating them as soon as they cool down to maintain freshness. Properly stored, they should last for up to 5 days in the fridge.

In The Freezer:

Gingered Pears are best enjoyed fresh and do not freeze well due to their high water content, which can lead to a mushy texture upon thawing. If I were in your place, I would avoid freezing them to preserve the best quality and texture.

How To Reheat Leftover Gingered Pears

Reheat your leftover Gingered Pears by placing them in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water or their own syrup to prevent them from drying out. Heat them gently until they are warmed through.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Sticky Date Pudding
• Slow Cooker Redskin Fudge
• Slow Cooker Tim Tam Rocky Road