Girl with a Pear Earring

This elegant dessert is reminiscent of Johannes Vermeer's timeless painting, focusing on poached pears in a delicate white wine and vanilla syrup. The pears, with their subtle sweetness, are exquisitely paired with creamy mascarpone, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that celebrate simplicity and sophistication.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

4 Bosc pears, peeled and cored
2 cups white wine
1 cup granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
Zest of 1 lemon
8 oz mascarpone cheese
2 tbsp honey
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the white wine, sugar, vanilla bean and seeds, and lemon zest.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
3. Add the pears to the liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Cover the surface with a piece of parchment paper to keep the pears submerged.
5. Poach the pears for 20-25 minutes until tender.
6. Remove pears from the liquid and set aside to cool.
7. Simmer the poaching liquid until reduced to a syrup consistency.
8. In a bowl, mix mascarpone with honey until smooth.
9. To serve, place a pear on a plate, drizzle with syrup, and add a dollop of mascarpone.
10. Garnish with toasted almonds.

Storage

Store poached pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Serve cold or at room temperature; mascarpone should not be reheated.

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This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.