Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream
Poached Pears served with a smooth Honey Mascarpone Cream is an elegant holiday dessert that looks so much more complicated than it actually is - but I promise you that it is easy!
Servings 6
Calories 490kcal
Ingredients
- 3 cups Riesling or other sweet white wine
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp whole cloves
- 3 whole star anise
- 6 firm pears peeled
- Dash ground cinnamon for garnish
For the Honey Mascarpone Cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese softened to room temperature
- 3 Tbsp half & half single cream
- 3 Tbsp runny honey
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Combine 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.
- In the meantime, halve the pears and carefully remove the seeds with the tip of a potato peeler or small spoon.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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!
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 490kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 178mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 43g