We believe that the beauty of a cozy home extends beyond textiles to the comforting rituals we share in our spaces. And as the weather cools down there is nothing quite as comforting as the joy found in warming recipes that bring people together.
Red Wine Spiced Poached Pears with a Berry Twist is the perfect example – elegant yet approachable, and a delight for the senses. Not only does it have an exquisite taste but also provides a sense of warmth and coziness, thanks to it's festive aroma.
(linen items seen: bronze tablecloth, amber bronze stripes placemat, and ash napkins)
This delicious creation came to life thanks to the creativity of our friend Kristina Kasting, a talented photographer and graphic designer. And we hope it inspires you to create delicious memories with loved ones, alongside a table that feels as inviting as it looks. Enjoy this recipe with a sprinkle of holiday spirit and a dash of sweetness from all of us at Linen Tales.
Here’s how you can recreate this at home:
Servings: 5-6
Ingredients for poaching liquid
- 1 bottle of red wine (best is Pinot Noir or Merlot)
- 1 cup of water
- Juice from 1 whole blood orange
- Zest from 1 blood orange (for a deeper citrus vibe)
- ½ cup coconut sugar (adds that nice caramel flavour)
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries (blueberries are a good alternative too)
- ½ teaspoon cardamom pods (green or black), lightly crushed (it’s such a nice warming spice)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 allspice berries
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped out and added to the poaching liquid (put in the whole pod too)
- 2 whole star anise pods
- ½ cup coconut sugar (set aside for thickening and extra richness in the poaching liquid later)
- 5 firm pears, preferably Bosc or Anjou (depends on the shape preference)
- Optional: Your favourite ice cream for serving
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Prepare the poaching liquid
In a large pot (look for a wider one to make sure it fits all the pears), combine all ingredients for the poaching liquid (except the pears). Bring in to a boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cranberries start popping and the blackberries infuse the poaching liquid with a rich burgundy color.
- Prep the pears
While the poaching liquid simmers, peel the pears, keeping the stems on for easy handling later. Decide if you’d like to serve them whole or halved. If halving, cut the pears in half before poaching and scoop out the seeds with a melon baller (this also makes a lovely spot for ice cream!). For whole pears that will stand tall, slice a thin layer off the base of each pear to create a stable, flat surface.
(seen in the picture: bronze tablecloth, ash kitchen towel)
- Finish the syrup
- Serve and enjoy
To serve, place the pears with a generous amount of the flavorful poaching liquid and a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Enjoy this warm, vibrant, and fruity dessert!
(seen in the picture: bronze tablecloth, amber bronze stripes napkin, ash kitchen towel)
Why this recipe is perfect for the cold season
Red Wine Spiced Poached Pears with a Berry Twist embodies everything you could want in a fall or winter dessert. The comforting spices of cinnamon, cardamom, and anise bring a gentle warmth to the dish, while the red wine and berries provide a touch of sophistication. Coconut sugar and maple syrup deepen the flavor with hints of caramel, beautifully complementing the natural sweetness of the pears.
Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge in a warm, vibrant dessert, these poached pears are sure to impress. Try this recipe out for a dessert that’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and absolutely delicious.
Don't forget to share it on your socials and tag @linentales if you do! Linen Tales and Kristina Kasting (@tinymomentscreative) will sure appreciate seeing your recreations, so don't be shy and start cooking!
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Recipe by @tinymomentscreative on Instagram.