Skip to main content

Wine-Poached Pears with Candied Pecans

Poached pears always make a lovely dessert, but what makes this extra pleasing is the addition of glazed pecans.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

4 large firm, ripe Bosc pears
1/3 cup dry red wine
2/3 cup fruit juice (apple juice or pear nectar works well)
3 tablespoons agave nectar or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons nonhydrogenated margarine
1/2 cup pecan halves
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Stem the pears and cut them into quarters lengthwise. Core them (but don’t peel) and divide the quarters in half again lengthwise.

    Step 2

    In a skillet, combine the wine, juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons of the agave nectar, the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the pear slices. over and simmer gently until the pears are tender but still hold their shape, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, heat the margarine and the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons agave nectar in a small skillet. Add the pecans and stir to coat. Cook over medium heat until the pecans are nicely glazed, 5 to 7 minutes.

    Step 4

    Dissolve the cornstarch in a little water. Drizzle it into the pear mixture in the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook briefly, just until the liquid in the skillet has thickened. Remove from the heat.

    Step 5

    Allow the pears to cool for several minutes, then divide among small bowls. Top each serving with a few pecan halves.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 6

    Calories: 314

    Step 7

    Total Fat: 12g

    Step 8

    Protein: 2.5g

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 49g

    Step 10

    Fiber: 5g

    Step 11

    Sodium: 20mg

Reprinted with permission from Vegan Express: Featuring 160 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Meals by Nava Atlas. Copyright © 2008 by Nava Atlas. Excerpted by permission of Broadway, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Nava Atlas is the author of nine cookbooks, including The Vegetarian Family Cookbook, The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet, and Vegetarian Soups for All Seasons. She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband and two teenage sons (all vegans).
Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.