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As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, the warmth of sweet, spiced aromas wafts through my home, instantly transforming my space into a cozy retreat. One of my fondest memories from childhood is helping my mother prepare her famous mulled wine during the festive season. While she simmered those quintessential holiday spices—cinnamon, cloves, and star anise—I would peek over the edge of the pot, breathing in that delightful scent that promised comfort and joy. Inspired by those past experiences, I decided to merge that rich zest with an elegant touch and create a dish that embodies the essence of winter: mulled wine poached pears.

Picture this: a cold winter evening, the smell of cinnamon and clove wafting through your kitchen like a warm hug. These poached pears, dressed in stunning ruby red wine, not only serve as a delightful dessert but also elevate any holiday gathering into a feast of flavors. The juicy sweetness of ripe pears enhanced by the deep, rich notes of spices offers a delightful contrast, making them a truly special treat during the colder months.

These poached pears are incredibly versatile too! You can enjoy them warm right out of the pot or chilled as a refreshing dessert. Top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added indulgence, or for a touch of elegance, sprinkle some crushed nuts for a perfect textural balance. If you’re looking to switch things up, substitute red wine with white or even a non-alcoholic grape juice blend to create a similar yet unique flavor profile suitable for all ages.

If you are hosting a holiday gathering or a simple dinner party, these poached pears can serve as an impressive centerpiece. Not only will they steal the show visually with their brilliant color, but they also invite warmth and joy into every bite. I’ve discovered that a pinch of pink sea salt right before serving can enhance the flavors beautifully, creating a delightful contrast with both the sweetness of the pears and the spiciness of the mulled wine.

For anyone who loves winter nights spent gathered around the table, these decadent poached pears are a must-try. And if you’re looking for more cozy dessert ideas, don’t miss checking out my recipes for spiced apple crumble or classic gingerbread cookies—perfect to accompany your mulled wine poached pears for a lovely winter feast.

Mulled Wine Poached Pears

Ingredients

• 4 ripe pears
• 750 ml red wine
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• Begin by peeling the pears, leaving the stems intact. Slice a small piece off the bottom of each pear to help them stand upright.

• In a large pot, combine red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring to a simmer.

• Carefully place the pears in the pot, ensuring they are submerged. Poach for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally until tender.

• Remove the pears and place them on a serving platter. Reduce the poaching liquid over medium heat until syrupy. Drizzle over the pears before serving.