Comice Pears in Spicy Red Wine

Submitted by The Maltese Falcon

"Any firm seasonal pear could be used, Comice pears are my favourite. This desert is a variation of pears in red wine which we have adjusted and modified over a period of time. It makes the perfect end to a meal with its spicy flavours and rich syrupy liquid complemented by clotted cream or with an orange zest flavoured Crème fraiche."

 

• Ready In: 2hrs
• Ingredients: 10
• Yields: 6 pears
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 625 ml full-bodied red wine
• 125 ml port wine
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 2 pieces thin orange zest
• 2 tablespoons red currant jelly
• 200 g brown sugar
• 6 pears
• 150 ml clotted cream or 150 ml creme fraiche

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C/gas
2. Put all the ingredients except the pears and cream into a heatproof casserole with a close-fitting lid. Bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, peel the pears, leaving the stalks intact, and add to the poaching liquid. Cover, and then put in the oven for 1½-2 hours depending on the ripeness and size of the pears. (If making ahead, leave to cool, then chill for 1-2 days.)
3. To serve, remove the pears to a serving plate, place the casserole back on the heat, and reduce the liquid until it reaches a syrupy consistency,(you can add some arrowroot at this stage if desired). Strain it over the pears, which should now look glossy and red.
4. Serve with the clotted cream or the orange zest flavoured Crème Fraiche.