Desserts > Fruit > Poached Fruits

Akvavit-Poached Pears Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and cored
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup akvavit
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Slotted spoon
- Serving dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water, akvavit, sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, lemon slices, and cloves. Stir to combine.
2. Add the peeled and cored pears to the pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
3. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
4. Simmer the pears for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the pears from the liquid and transfer them to a serving dish.
6. Increase the heat to high and boil the liquid until it has reduced by half.
7. Pour the reduced liquid over the pears in the serving dish.
8. Serve the akvavit-poached pears warm or chilled.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer on low heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 5mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 40g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Akvavit can be substituted with white wine or apple cider.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Cinnamon stick can be substituted with ground cinnamon.
- Vanilla bean can be substituted with vanilla extract.

Variations:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the poaching liquid for extra flavor.
- Serve the pears with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Top the pears with chopped nuts or dried fruit.

Tips and tricks:
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm.
- Use a spoon or melon baller to core the pears without damaging the flesh.
- Make sure the pears are fully submerged in the poaching liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the pears from the liquid to avoid damaging them.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover akvavit-poached pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pears in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the pears on a platter and drizzle with the reduced poaching liquid. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs or edible flowers

Pairings:
Serve the akvavit-poached pears with a glass of akvavit or white wine.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the pears with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pears are not fully submerged in the liquid, they may not cook evenly. Add more liquid if necessary.
- If the poaching liquid is too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Food safety advice:
Make sure the poaching liquid reaches a temperature of at least 160°F to ensure that any bacteria is killed.

Food history:
Akvavit is a traditional Scandinavian spirit made from potatoes or grain and flavored with herbs and spices. It is often served as a digestif.

Flavor profiles:
The akvavit-poached pears have a sweet and slightly spicy flavor with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the akvavit-poached pears as a dessert or as a sweet accompaniment to a cheese plate.

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Region: Norwegian

Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Herbal, Citrusy, Aromatic