Pears in Red Wine Syrup

I am sharing this recipe even though there are so many recipes for these around. I have been making pears in red wine for at least forty years and they still seem to be a crowd pleaser. Served with a little icecream or maybe cream or yoghurt for an easy family dessert. These must be made in advance so that the colour from the wine permeates the pears. White wine can be used, although, the finished pears will be less dramatic to look at.

Originally, I would peel the pears and then they were poached or stewed whole. A fancy style of service can be achieved by slicing from the bottom and leaving the top connected, the whole pear is then fanned onto the plate. Now I just peel and slice them in half.

For a casual dinner party I like to put the pears in a bowl, serve the reduced syrup in a jug and have bowls of icecream or cream for guests to serve themselves. 

Pears in Red Wine and Vanilla Syrup

Syrup

1 bottle red wine (750ml), white wine can also be used.

2 cups sugar

1-2 vanilla beans, split

2 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes.

4-6 pears, peeled and cut in half lengthwise.

Add  pears to syrup and simmer until just tender, approximately 20 minutes. Make sure pears are fully submerged. I cut a circle of cooking paper and place over the pears and then a small plate. 

Remove from heat and allow pears to cool in syrup, preferably in the fridge overnight.

To serve

Remove pears from syrup. Reduce syrup until thicker and more viscous, like honey. Serve pears and syrup at room temperature.

*save the syrup and keep in the fridge. Use it again, just add a little water.

Some prunes stewed in the diluted leftover syrup.