Girl with a Pear Earring
This Girl with a Pear Earring recipe is a delightful twist on poached pears, combining the elegance of a classic dessert with a modern flair. Perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special treat, it's both sophisticated and surprisingly simple to make.
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Ingredients for Girl with a Pear Earring
Pears: Bosc pears are perfect for poaching because they hold their shape well and have a sweet, spicy flavor that complements the syrup.
White wine: Adds depth and sophistication to the poaching liquid, while helping to tenderize the pears.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the poaching liquid and balances the acidity of the wine and lemon zest.
Vanilla bean: Infuses the syrup with a delicate, aromatic flavor that elevates the dessert.
Lemon zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the syrup and complements the sweetness of the pears.
Mascarpone cheese: Provides a creamy, luxurious base that pairs beautifully with the fruit and syrup.
Honey: Sweetens the mascarpone, adding a floral note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Toasted sliced almonds: Add a nutty crunch that contrasts with the soft texture of the poached pears.
Girl with a Pear Earring Tips & Tricks
- Make sure to use ripe but firm pears for the best texture after poaching.
- If you don't have parchment paper, use a small lid that fits inside the pot to keep the pears submerged.
- For a thicker syrup, reduce the poaching liquid slowly over low heat and watch closely to avoid burning.
- Experiment with different nuts like pistachios or walnuts for a unique twist.
Serving Ideas for Girl with a Pear Earring
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a crisp white wine or a sparkling dessert wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pear?
- Yes, you can use other varieties like Anjou or Comice, but Bosc pears hold up best when poached.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- Absolutely! Poach the pears and prepare the syrup a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before serving.
- Is there a non-alcoholic option?
- Replace the wine with a mix of apple juice and a splash of lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Girl with a Pear Earring Recipe Walkthrough
Start by peeling and coring your pears. You want them to be smooth and ready to soak up all the flavors. In a large saucepan, combine white wine, sugar, the seeds from a split vanilla bean, and lemon zest. Stir this mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Once your syrup is ready, gently add the pears, making sure they're fully submerged. A clever trick is to cover the pears with parchment paper, which keeps them under the surface. Poach them for about 20-25 minutes until they're tender but not mushy.
Carefully remove the pears and let them cool. Meanwhile, keep simmering the poaching liquid until it thickens into a luscious syrup. While the syrup is reducing, mix mascarpone cheese with honey in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
To serve, place a pear on each plate, drizzle with the fragrant syrup, and add a generous dollop of mascarpone. Sprinkle with toasted almonds for that perfect crunchy finish.
Why This Girl with a Pear Earring Works
- It's a visually stunning dessert that's sure to impress your guests.
- The combination of vanilla and lemon zest creates a fragrant and flavorful syrup.
- Mascarpone and honey add a rich, creamy contrast to the tender pears.
- Toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch.
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
Step-by-step 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.