Name: Saffron-Poached Pears
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups water; 1 cup sugar; 1 1/2 cups Sauvignon blanc; 1/2 vanilla bean of choice*:; 4 Bosc pears, peeled; 4 sprigs of mint, for garnish; crème fraîche, for garnish

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Saffron-Poached Pears

Recipe by Savory Spice Test Kitchen

All-Purpose Cooking

A lavish preparation of pears that will satisfy your salty and sweet craving.

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Serves 4 servings

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cooking Time 45 minutes

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups water 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups Sauvignon blanc

1 tsp. Madagascar Vanilla Bean Paste, OR

1/2 vanilla bean of choice*: Madagascar Vanilla Bean Mexican Vanilla Bean Ugandan Vanilla Bean

1/2 tsp. Ground Inner Cardamom Seeds

1 pinch (10-15 threads) Spanish Coupe Saffron

4 Bosc pears, peeled 1 tsp. Saffron Salt** (optional) 4 sprigs of mint, for garnish crème fraîche, for garnish

Madagascar Vanilla Beans

Mexican Vanilla Beans

Ugandan Vanilla Beans

Directions

Step 1 In a medium pot over medium heat, combine water and sugar. Bring to a simmer, stirring regularly. Add wine, vanilla of choice, Ground Inner Cardamom Seeds, and Spanish Coupe Saffron. Simmer for 5 min., stirring occassionally.

Step 2 Cut bottoms of pears so they are flat and can stand upright for serving. Add pears to poaching liquid.

Step 3 Rotate pears frequently in pot, allowing liquid to come into contact with all surfaces of the pear. Cook for about 25 min., or until the surface of the pear is tender and has taken on a golden hue. Remove pears from liquid.

Step 4 Continue to simmer the poaching liquid until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, about 10 min.

Step 5 Pour syrup over the pears and sprinkle with Saffron Salt. Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche and a sprig of mint.

Recipe Notes

Choose firm pears so they hold their shape during the cooking process.

*To use vanilla beans: split beans in half lengthwise and scrape seeds out from pod with the back of a knife. Use empty pods to make homemade vanilla extract or flavor homemade vanilla sugar.

**Saffron Salt is a limited-time offer during February. Missed out? Look out for it next year in-store and online!