Kosher Wine-Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine Reduction

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicately poached pears in kosher red wine infused with warm spices, served with a luscious reduced wine sauce. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers peeled and cored Bosc pears, kosher red wine, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 French cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 4 cups kosher red wine, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, 1 star anise, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 peeled and cored Bosc pears to the simmering wine. Reduce heat to low and poach the pears gently for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally so they cook evenly and turn deep red.
  3. Step 3: Carefully remove the pears and set aside to cool.
  4. Step 4: Increase heat to medium-high and reduce the poaching liquid by half, about 15 minutes, until slightly syrupy.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and whisk in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp cold cubed unsalted butter until the sauce is glossy and smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve pears drizzled with warm spiced red wine reduction.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Kosher Wine-Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Kosher Wine-Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine Reduction?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kosher Wine-Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine Reduction?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Kosher Wine-Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine Reduction for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Kosher Wine-Poached Pears with Spiced Red Wine Reduction?

French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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