Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream

This elegant and easy dessert looks so much more complicated than it actually is!
The key to success with this recipe is to choose a naturally firm pear varietal, such as the red Anjou used here. You also want to use pears that are not quite ripe for this dish. Softer pear varieties and/or overly ripe specimens have a tendency to turn to mush while cooking, so it pays to choose carefully while shopping.

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

Poached Pears Ingredients:

3 c. Riesling or other sweet white wine
1/3 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

Directions:

1. 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.
   
   
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.
   
   
6. 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!
   
   

12 Days of Christmas Recipes:

1. Orange Cranberry Scones
2. Sweet and Savory Spiced Pecans
3. Roasted Harvest Vegetable Soup
4. Cranberry Moscow Mule and Cinnamon and Cumin Infused Cranberry Spritzer
5. Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling
6. Easy Homemade Vanilla Fig Jam
7. Classic Caprese Skewers and Strawberry Caprese Skewers
8. Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Portobello Mushrooms
9. Savory Puff Pastry Bites with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
10. Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream
11. Homemade Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
12. Southern Italian Antipasto