Skip to main content

Pears in Port Wine

Cooks' Note

Second and third servings could be eaten in the morning with coffee or in the afternoon with a cup of aromatic tea.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4. serving size: 1 pear, or if half a pear will satisfy

Ingredients

4 ripe, firm pears
3 cups ruby port wine
1/4 cup sugar
1 jigger (3 tablespoons) Cointreau
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Peel the pears, but leave them whole. With the stem end intact, cut off a thin slice at the bottom so that the pears can stand upright.

    Step 2

    In a nonreactive saucepan, bring the port, sugar, and 2 cups water to a boil.

    Step 3

    Place the whole pears in the liquid, lower the heat, and simmer, uncovered, for about 35 minutes, turning the pears occasionally, until they are tender.

    Step 4

    Remove the pears with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool.

    Step 5

    Increase the heat under the saucepan and reduce the liquid by half by boiling vigorously for 20 minutes to a medium-thick syrup. Add the Cointreau and vanilla.

    Step 6

    Place the pears upright in a serving dish and spoon the reduced syrup over them. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Great Food, All Day Long
Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.