These little beauties are the perfect dessert for entertaining when pears are at the peak of their season. Not only do they make a remarkable statement when you serve them, but the flavors are so delicious and remind me of the holidays. While you simmer the pears on the stovetop, your entire house fills with the scents of vanilla, cinnamon, and star anise. My mouth literally starts watering from the aromas. 

 

My husband adores them so much that he will eat them as his dessert after breakfast. It’s a fruit, so why not? 

 

4 ripe pears, not mushy

1 bottle of Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon

½ cup orange juice

1 whole vanilla bean

¾ cup sugar

1 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

Orange, zested into thick strips

 

Combine all the ingredients except the pears in a stockpot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a low simmer. Add the pears and cover them with parchment paper. 

 

While simmering, carefully move the pears around and spoon the liquid over them every 20 minutes so that all sides become dark red. Continue poaching the fruit for 1½ hours.

 

Remove the pears from the liquid and place them in the refrigerator. Continue to simmer the liquid for 15 minutes to thicken. 

 

Serve the pears chilled or at room temperature. Place one pear on each plate or all on one platter and spoon the liquid over the pear's top, creating a small puddle in the dish. 

 

If you choose, you can serve the pears with whipping cream, whipped mascarpone cheese, or vanilla ice cream on the side. 

 

Just Salt It, and enjoy!