Whiskey-Infused Coddled Pears. In homage to America’s oldest fruit tree, a pear tree with roots dating back to around 1630 when it was brought from Europe and planted in Massachusetts, this dessert pays tribute to the enduring legacy of flavor. The star of the show: Bosc pears, lovingly poached in a Tennessee whiskey-spiked liquid that’s been artfully perfumed with vanilla bean and orange zest.
The delicate and distinctive Bosc pears, chosen for their firm texture and sweet taste, undergo a transformative journey in the whiskey-infused poaching liquid. The infusion of Tennessee whiskey adds a robust depth to the mix, creating a Symphony of Flavors that dance on the palate.
As the pears gently absorb the essence of vanilla bean and the bright zest of orange, each bite becomes a celebration of history and tradition. The whiskey-poached Bosc pears encapsulate the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship, weaving together the old-world charm of European pear cultivation with the bold, spirited notes of American whiskey.
This dessert, a fusion of flavors and stories, invites you to savor not just the sweet tenderness of poached pears but also the rich tapestry of history that unfolds with each indulgent spoonful. It’s a culinary tribute to the enduring roots of the oldest fruit tree on American soil, an ode to the past, and a delightful taste of the present.
Ingredients:
6 ripe but firm Bosc pears, peeled, stems intact
1 cup sugar
2 ¼ cups Tennessee whiskey (for example, Jack Daniel’s)
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
3 strips (each 2 inches long) orange zest
Vanilla ice cream and blackstrap molasses for serving
Instructions would likely involve simmering the pears with sugar, whiskey, vanilla bean, and orange zest until the pears are tender and the liquid has reduced to a syrup.
Then serving them with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of blackstrap molasses for a delightful dessert experience.
Step 1:
Core the pears from the bottoms using a small melon baller to scoop out the seeds.
Cut a round piece of parchment paper to the diameter of a pot, just large enough to fit the pears on their sides in a single layer.
Step 2:
Bring sugar and 4 cups of water to a boil in the pot, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add 2 cups of whiskey, the split vanilla bean with seeds, and the strips of orange zest to the boiling mixture.
Nestle the cored pears into the liquid, laying them on their sides.
If the pears are not fully submerged, add more water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and place the parchment round on top.
Gently simmer until the pears are just knife-tender, which should take about 20 minutes.
Step 3:
Carefully transfer the poached pears to a plate using a slotted spoon.
Return the poaching liquid to a boil and continue boiling until it is reduced to 4 cups, which should take about 10 minutes.
Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of whiskey and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Place the poached pears back into the liquid.
Cover and refrigerate until cold, for at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
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Serving:
Elevate the experience of indulging in whiskey-poached Bosc pears by presenting them in a delightful and delectable ensemble. Here’s a suggestion to make this dessert even more irresistible:
- Chilled Perfection: Allow the whiskey-poached Bosc pears to chill, letting the flavors meld and intensify. The cool temperature enhances the refreshing quality of the dessert, making it a delightful treat.
- Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair the chilled pears with generous scoops of velvety vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the cold, creamy ice cream against the warm, whiskey-infused pears creates a harmonious balance that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Drizzled with Blackstrap Molasses: Crown this exquisite dessert with a drizzle of blackstrap molasses. The rich, robust notes of molasses add a depth of sweetness and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Enjoy the Symphony of Flavors: With each spoonful, relish the symphony of flavors—a marriage of tender, whiskey-kissed pears, creamy vanilla ice cream, and the bold, sweet nuances of blackstrap molasses. Allow the textures and tastes to dance on your palate, creating a sensory experience that lingers.
This serving suggestion transforms the whiskey-poached Bosc pears into a sophisticated and indulgent dessert, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a personal culinary delight. Enjoy the union of tradition and innovation, craftsmanship and sweetness, as you embark on a journey of culinary pleasure with this delightful pear creation.
*The information is for reference only.
