Red Wine Poached Pears with Whipped Ricotta

This dish is elegant and fancy but super simple to make. It’s an impressive dish to serve during the holidays or on New Year’s Eve.

Best Pears for Baking and Cooking

We recommend using Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou pears for this recipe. These varieties are also the most popular and easy to find in most grocery stores and markets year-round.

When selecting pears to cook, look for ripe but firm ones. Gently press the top of the pear at the stem; if it’s a little soft but firm, the pear is ripe. Do not buy or use soft pears because that means they have over-ripened.  Also, select pears that are not bruised or blemished.

Ingredients

Poached Pears

• 2 firm but ripe bosc pears
• 2 cups (16 oz.) red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir
• 2 slices of fresh orange
• Zest from 1 orange
• ½  cup orange juice
• ¾  cup cranberry juice
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-star anise
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 tbsp sugar

Whipped Ricotta

• 1-1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 tbsp honey

Let’s Make Poached Pears With Whipped Ricotta

Poached Pears

1. Add all “poached pear” ingredients to a large soup pot or pan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat and reduce to a simmer.
3. Peel pears, leaving them whole, and lower them into the liquid making sure they are fully submerged. If needed lay them on their side and rotate them throughout the cooking time.
4. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
5. The pears are ready when a skewer is easily inserted.
6. Transfer the pears to a plate to cool for 1 hour or to room temperature. Save a couple of the cooked cranberries and star anise for garnish.

Whipped Ricotta

1. While the pears are poaching, whisk the ricotta cheese and honey.
2. Place in refrigerator until ready to plate.

To Plate

1. Spoon the ricotta onto a serving plate.
2. Using the back of a small spoon, make a swirl in the ricotta.
3. Place the pear in a standing position on the whipped ricotta.
4. Drizzle with honey and garnish with some of the cooked cranberries and star anise.

Krazy Kitchen Mom Tips

• Pro tip: Save the poaching liquid and use it for cocktails.
• If the pears do not stand upright, slice a small amount off the bottom to flatten.
• Use a potato peeler to peel the pears.
• Serve at room temperature or store them in the refrigerator overnight and serve cold.
• They can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• To double or triple this recipe, select the X2 or X3 option with the ingredients listed on the recipe card.

More KKM Festive Recipes

• Cranberry Buttercream Frosting
• Margarita Fruit Salad
• Three Ingredient Gingersnap Truffles
• Fall Harvest Salad