Best Easy Poached Pears Recipes

EASY POACHED PEARS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine lemon zest, cinnamon stick, allspice, ground pepper, apple cider, and water.
• Add pears. Cover with waxed paper to prevent discoloring. Bring to a simmer. Cook, turning pears occasionally, until easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife, but not falling apart, about 20 minutes. Remove pears from liquid; transfer to large bowl.
• Raise heat to high; boil cider mixture until reduced to a syrup, about 15 minutes. Discard cinnamon. Pour syrup over pears; refrigerate. To serve, slice off a sliver from the bottom of each pear (so it stands upright). Serve pears with lemon sorbet, if desired.

EASY AND ELEGANT POACHED PEARS WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix 2 cups sugar and 4 cups water in 4-qt. saucepan. Bring to boil on medium-high heat, cook 2 min. or until sugar is completely dissolved, stirring frequently.
• Add pears; partially cover pan with lid. Simmer on medium-low heat 20 min. or just until pears are tender, stirring after 10 min. Remove pears from liquid; discard pear liquid.
• Microwave chocolate and remaining water in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Add remaining sugar; mix well. Microwave on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until sugar is dissolved, stirring after 45 sec.
• Stir in butter and vanilla until butter is completely melted and mixture is well blended. Spoon over pears.