Poached Pear with Caramel Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 whole ripe but firm pears
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 whole lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 whole cinnamon stick
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. 1

   Peel the 4 pears, leaving the stems on. Slice the lemon in half and rub the cut sides over the pears to prevent browning.

2. 2

   In a large pot, combine 4 cups water, 1 cup sugar, the juice of the lemon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

3. 3

   Add the pears to the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently until a knife pierces the thickest part with little resistance, about 25-30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool in the syrup.

4. 4

   While the pears cool, make the caramel: in a heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup sugar and stir constantly until it turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.

5. 5

   Carefully whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream (the mixture will bubble vigorously). Continue stirring until smooth, then remove from heat. Let cool slightly to thicken.

6. 6

   Remove the pears from the syrup and pat dry. Place each pear upright on a serving plate.

7. 7

   Spoon the warm caramel sauce over each pear, letting it cascade down the sides. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve immediately.

Tools you’ll need

• Large pot
• Heavy saucepan
• Vegetable peeler
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Serving plates

More recipes like this

• 

  Baked Salmon with Vegetables and Olives

  35 min

• 

  Brioche

  45 min

• 

  Baked Chicken

  45 min

• 

  Broccoli and Egg Salad

  20 min