Mulled Wine Poached Pears

I love the idea of poached fruit. It is, in fact, a little trick I use when I don't want to make a complicated dessert, yet I want something sophisticated. It is so easy to just grab apples or pears and poach them in wine, something I always have on had.These mulled wine poached pears are the perfect classic dessert for fall and winter. Your guests will be impressed with the presentation. The flavor is subtle and light which after a heavy meal can be just the perfect finish.

Mulled Wine Poached PearsServes 8

You will need:- 8 pears- 1 bottle of Red Wine (I like to use a Merlot, or a Pinot Noir)- 3/4 cup sugar- 1 teaspoon cinnamon- 3 star anise- 1 cup whipping cream and 2 tablespoons sugarTo prepare:Peel the whole pears leaving the stem in tact.In a large cast iron pot, empty the bottle of wine, add the sugar, cinnamon, star anise.Place the peeled pears on their side, then simmer them in the wine for about 15 minutes, occasionally with a large spoon roll the pears to evenly cook them. Turn off the heat, and leave the pears to macerate in the wine (this literally can be all day). Again occasionally turning them to evenly coat the pears. The pears will become a beautiful pink color from the mulled red wine.In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, add the whipping cream and sugar whip until stiff peaks form about 5 minutes.To serve:Warm the pears through about 3 minutes and place the warm pears in a bowl with 3 tablespoons of the mulled wine. Add a dollop of whipped cream and serve.TIP* it's the perfect make ahead dessert, and it will impress you're guests.