Harvest Ginger Pear Delight (Printable)
Tender pears simmered in a spiced ginger and honey syrup with warm autumn flavors.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 4 ripe but firm pears, peeled, halved, and cored
→ Poaching Syrup
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 cup apple cider
04 - ½ cup honey or maple syrup
05 - 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
06 - 1 cinnamon stick
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Garnish
09 - ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans (optional)
10 - Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine water, apple cider, honey or maple syrup, ginger slices, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until honey dissolves.
02 - Add pear halves cut side down to the simmering syrup. Cover and simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally until pears are tender yet hold their shape.
03 - Transfer pears to serving dishes using a slotted spoon.
04 - Increase heat and simmer the syrup uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 - Spoon warm ginger syrup over pears and garnish with toasted pecans and whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a secret cozy moment with a friend when the spicy ginger aroma fills the kitchen.
- The balance of sweet, tart, and warm flavors makes this dish a heartfelt favorite every fall.
02 -
- Don’t rush the poaching — gentle simmering lets the pears soak up all those warm flavors without turning mushy.
- Reducing the syrup to a shiny glaze changed everything for me; it transforms this from simple to spectacular.
03 -
- Adding spices like star anise or cardamom pods during poaching adds a subtle complexity that really makes this your own.
- Always start poaching with room temperature pears so they cook evenly and soak up the syrup snugly.