Soothing Juniper and Mulled Pears
Indulge in the comforting elegance of Soothing Juniper and Mulled Pears, a dessert that combines the earthy aroma of juniper berries with the warm spices of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Poached gently in a fragrant bath of honey, apple cider, orange zest, and vanilla, each pear transforms into a tender, flavor-infused delight. The rich, spiced syrup is reduced to perfection, creating the ideal drizzle for this luxurious treat. Whether served warm with a sprig of fresh thyme or paired with whipped cream or ice cream, this recipe is a showcase of seasonal flavors and a truly stunning addition to any table. Perfect for fall gatherings or as an effortlessly gourmet dessert, these juniper mulled pears are a comforting celebration of rustic elegance.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole Pears (firm, ripe)
- 4 cups Water
- 0.5 cups Honey
- 8 berries Juniper berries (lightly crushed)
- 1 stick Cinnamon stick
- 2 pods Star anise
- 5 pieces Cloves
- 1 whole Orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Unsweetened apple cider
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. If desired, cut a small slice from the bottom of each pear to allow them to stand upright for serving.
In a medium saucepan, combine water, honey, juniper berries, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and apple cider. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Gently add the pears to the saucepan, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the pears poach for 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The pears should become tender but not mushy. Use a skewer or knife to check for doneness.
Once the pears are cooked, carefully remove them from the saucepan and set aside. Allow the poaching liquid to simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavor.
Strain the poaching liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices and zest. Serve the pears warm with the strained syrup drizzled over the top.
Optional: Garnish each pear with a sprig of fresh thyme for an aromatic finishing touch. Pair with whipped cream, ice cream, or enjoy on their own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
646 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.7 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 76 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 163.7 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.5 g | 120% | |
| Total Sugars | 105.0 g | ||
| Protein | 4.6 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 295 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 1457 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
