Poached Pears with Vanilla Chocolate Sauce

Sweet red wine poached pears drizzled with orange scented creamy rich chocolate sauce.

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Poached pears always seemed like one of those really old world fancy desserts that you would get at a super expensive restaurant. When you think about it, it's no different than chocolate covered strawberries. It’s fruit and chocolate, and the most important part is that the fruit is ripe and the chocolate is sweet. By poaching the pears in red wine you're adding another layer of flavor. It is actually an easy recipe to put together and can be made ahead of time for a lovely addition to any dinner party.

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What ingredients do you need for poached pears with vanilla chocolate sauce?

• Pears
• Dry Red Wine or Port Wine
• Cinnamon Stick
• Cloves
• Sugar
• Orange
• Chocolate Chips
• Heavy Cream
• Vanilla

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The Recipe

Place wine, sugar, peel from orange and clove in a medium sauce pot and slowly bring to a simmer. While bringing wine to a simmer, peel the pears trying to keep the natural shape as much as possible. Cut in half lengthwise and using a paring knife or melon baller carefully remove the core. Gently place them in the wine and poach on a low simmer for approximately 12 minutes. If they are small try 8 minutes and then test.

When ready turn off heat and leave pears in the wine to cool. While the pears are cooling, heat the cream to a simmer with a cinnamon stick, do not boil or scorch. When at a low simmer turn off and add chocolate. Stir until melted and then add vanilla. Place pears in a shallow bowl or plate and serve with warm chocolate sauce drizzled on top.

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Recipe Tips:

• Poach the pears the day before, so they can cool in the refrigerator
• Toasted almonds or pistachios are a lovely addition to this recipe as a garnish.
• Depending on your favorite kind of chocolate, you can use dark semi-sweet or bitter chocolate to make the sauce.

Make Ahead:

• Poach the pears the day before so they can cool in the refrigerator in the poaching liquid.
• Make the chocolate sauce ahead and hold in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

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Storing tips:

• Store the pears in the poaching liquid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Store the chocolate sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

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