Champagne Poached Pears

Champagne poached pears are a versatile ingredient for salads, appetizers and desserts.  The essence of the champagne adds an indulgent touch to the every day fruit. They have a fresh, light flavor that is perfect for dishes like this salad made with spring mix lettuce, red onion, spiced pecans, and goat cheese.

I found the Jaume Serra Cristalino sparkling wine to be an affordable alternative to genuine champagne. This wine has been chosen as value brand of the year by Wine and Spirit Magazine for 3 consecutive years. Champagne is actually sparkling wine that is made in Champagne, France, where the process of making sparkling wine was discovered by the monk, Dom Perignon.

Champagne Poached Pears

Ingredients

4-6 pears

1 bottle sparkling wine

1 cinnamon stick

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Method

1. Peel pears, keeping stems intact for presentation

2. Place the sugar, champagne, cinnamon, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla in a saucepan that is just big enough to hold the champagne and pears.

3. Add a little water if necessary so the pears will be completely immersed.

4. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. 

5. Stand the pears in the liquid, then bring to a boil.

6. Once the liquid has come to a boil reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

7. Let cool completely and store refrigerated for up to 3 days in the poaching liquid.  A large mason jar works well for storage.

You can use many types of pears for this recipe, just make sure you use a firmer pear for presentation and texture.  If the pears are too ripe they won't hold up well.