Mushroom-Spiced Poached Pears

Poaching fruit in aromatic syrup is a classic European dessert tradition, here with a savory-sweet twist. Dried porcini powder joins honey, star anise, and ginger to perfume firm pears until tender, then finished with a cool dollop of cream.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 35 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 265 cal
• 2g protein
• 52g carbs
• 7g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 4 firm ripe pears
• 4 cups water
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp dried porcini mushroom powder
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole star anise
• 4 thin fresh ginger slices
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 pinch pinch of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup crème fraîche or whipped cream
• 2 tbsp chopped toasted hazelnuts

Instructions

1. 1Peel the pears carefully, leaving the stems intact for a dramatic presentation, then trim a thin slice from each base so they stand upright.
2. 2In a saucepan just large enough to hold the pears snugly, combine the water, honey, sugar, porcini powder, cinnamon stick, star anise, ginger slices, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.
3. 3Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the honey and sugar dissolve and the porcini powder blooms into an earthy-sweet aroma.
4. 4Lower the pears into the simmering liquid on their sides; if needed add a splash more water so they are nearly submerged.
5. 5Poach uncovered at a bare simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the pears every 5 minutes with a spoon so they color evenly and become tender when pierced with a knife tip.
6. 6Transfer the pears upright to a shallow serving platter using a slotted spoon, keeping them warm.
7. 7Raise the heat and reduce the poaching liquid by half until it becomes a glossy, lightly syrupy sauce that coats the back of a spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes.
8. 8Strain the syrup through a fine mesh to remove the spices and any mushroom grit, then spoon the warm syrup generously over and the pears.
9. 9Dollop crème fraîche or softly whipped cream beside each pear and finish with a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts for texture.
10. 10Present the platter family-style so guests can admire the glossy pears before plating their own; the unexpected savory-sweet depth makes it a conversation piece.