Cranberry Poached Pears with Mascarpone and Hazelnuts Recipe
This Cranberry Poached Pears recipe combines tender Bosc pears with vibrant fresh cranberries, aromatic orange and cinnamon, and a touch of rosemary, all gently simmered in a honey-infused syrup. Served with creamy mascarpone and crunchy hazelnuts, this elegant dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Produce
- 5 medium-size Bosc pears, peeled
- 2 ½ cups fresh cranberries, rinsed
- Juice of 1 orange
- Orange peel from 1 orange
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
Spices and Sweeteners
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ⅓ cup honey (or more to taste)
Liquids
- 6 cups water
Dairy
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
Nuts
- ¼ cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped (or any other nuts)
Instructions
- Prepare the pot: Place the peeled pears, fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange peel, cinnamon stick, honey, and rosemary sprig into a large pot or Dutch oven that can comfortably hold all ingredients.
- Add water: Pour in 6 cups of water over the ingredients to fully submerge them for poaching.
- Simmer the pears and cranberries: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until a knife inserted into a pear slides in easily, indicating they are tender.
- Plate the pears: To serve, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of mascarpone cheese into the bottom of each serving bowl. Place one poached pear in the center of the bowl.
- Garnish and finish: Drizzle the pears with some of the cooking juices and a few cooked cranberries. Sprinkle the top with roughly chopped hazelnuts and garnish with fresh rosemary leaves. If desired, add an extra drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of honey according to your preferred sweetness.
- Use Bosc pears for their firm texture which holds up well during poaching.
- Mascarpone cheese adds a creamy richness that balances the tartness of cranberries.
- Hazelnuts can be substituted with walnuts or pecans depending on preference.
- Ensure the pot is large enough to allow the pears to poach evenly without crowding.