"Fall in Love with Flavor: Heavenly Poached Pears and Honey Mascarpone Cream Recipe"

Imagine sinking your spoon into a tender, wine-infused pear, bathed in a sweet symphony of flavors. That's what you get with these Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream. It's like a hug for your taste buds, with the pears soaking up all the goodness of the poaching liquid, and the velvety mascarpone cream adding a luscious touch.

The marriage of natural sweetness from the pears and the gentle warmth of honey makes each bite feel like a cozy, autumn afternoon. Whether you're impressing guests or just treating yourself, this dessert is a heartwarming masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to whip up.

They're not just dessert; they're a work of art on your plate.

As you take that first spoonful, you'll notice how the wine and spices have transformed the pears into soft, aromatic jewels. They're not just dessert; they're a work of art on your plate. And when you pair them with the honey mascarpone cream – oh, the magic happens. The creaminess of the mascarpone balances the subtle tartness of the pears, while the honey drizzle elevates every bite into a sweet, dreamy crescendo. It's the kind of dessert that makes you pause, savoring each moment, each delightful contrast of flavors and textures. So, whether it's a special occasion or an ordinary Tuesday night, let these Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream be your delicious reminder that life should always include a little indulgence.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 6

Jump to:

• They're not just dessert; they're a work of art on your plate.
• Ingredients needed to make Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream
• How to make Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream
• Variations on the Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream recipe
• Equipment used when aking the Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream
• Storage for the Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream
• Top tips for making Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream
• Related
• Pairing

Ingredients needed to make Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream

• Poached Pears Ingredients:
• 3 c. Riesling or other sweet white whine
• ⅓ c. honey
• 3 whole cinnamon sticks
• 2 t. whole cloves
• 3 whole star anise
• 6 firm pears, peeled
• dash ground cinnamon, for garnish

• Honey Mascarpone Cream Ingredients:8 oz. mascarpone cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3 T. half & half
• 3 T. runny honey
• 2 t. pure vanilla extract
• 2 t. organic orange zest

How to make Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream

1. Combine white wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a large skillet with high sides. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the honey is melted and the spices become fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
   
2. In the meantime, halve the pears and carefully remove the seeds with the tip of a potato peeler or small spoon.
   
3. Carefully add the pears to the simmering poaching liquid. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender. Do not overcook.
   
4. While the pears are poaching, place the softened mascarpone cheese and half & half in the bowl of a stand mixer and whip until light and airy. (If you don’t have a stand mixer, use a hand-held mixer to blend). 
   
5. Add the honey, vanilla extract, and orange zest and whip until combined. Place in the fridge to chill before serving.
   

Remove pears from heat and cool slightly. Serve immediately with a spoonful of the honey mascarpone cream and a dash of cinnamon. Top with a drizzle of the poaching liquid, if desired. Enjoy!

Variations on the Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream recipe

here are 10 creative variations to add a twist to your classic Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream recipe:

1. Spiced Rum Infusion: Enhance the poaching liquid with a splash of spiced rum for a hint of warmth and complexity.
   
2. Citrus Zest: Add a burst of citrusy freshness by grating orange or lemon zest over the pears before serving.
   
3. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) on top of the mascarpone cream for some delightful crunch.
   
4. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the pears for an irresistible chocolate and pear combo.
   
5. Ginger Twist: Infuse the poaching liquid with fresh ginger slices for a subtle spicy kick.
   
6. Caramelized Sugar Topping: Torch some brown sugar on top of the pears for a caramelized finish.
7. Rosemary Garnish: Add a few fresh rosemary sprigs as a fragrant garnish for a savory touch.
   
8. Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the pears for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
   
9. Maple Whipped Cream: Replace the honey mascarpone cream with a maple-flavored whipped cream for a different sweetness profile.
   
10. Cinnamon-Dusted: Dust the finished dessert with a pinch of ground cinnamon for that cozy fall aroma.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own unique version of Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream, tailored to your taste preferences and the occasion. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!

Equipment used when aking the Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream

large skillet
potato peeler

Storage for the Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream

You can store Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To ensure the best quality:

1. Separate Components: Store the poached pears and the honey mascarpone cream separately. Keep the pears in an airtight container, and cover the mascarpone cream with plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container.
2. Refrigerate Properly: Store both components in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
3. Cover and Seal: Ensure that the containers are well-sealed to prevent any odors or moisture from affecting the flavors.

When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply take the pears and mascarpone cream out of the fridge, plate them, and let them come to slightly chilled or room temperature before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of the pears may change slightly after refrigeration, but the flavors should still be delicious.

Related

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Pairing

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