Poached Pears first timer
Im making poached pears for the first time for a small dinner party tonight, this recipe:
https://whatagirleats.com/poire-belle-helene/
It seems so straight forward but I was wondering if anyone had any tips or suggestions based on experience with this classic dish? I'll only have one shot to get it right lol
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arrange in a dutch oven. Pour liquids over. Cook for about 20 min to 1/2 hour on heavy simmer--DO NOT BOIL. Length of time depends
on how ripe the pears are. Can be eaten warm or cold. This is a dish that works great if you do it the morning of. I like to serve them with a little lightly sweetened cream and a sweet potato buttermilk biscuit. Biscuit sliced and arranged around pear, sauce down and cream on top. A few grates of lemon peel or a mint leaf are a nice final touch. Never chocolate sauce! Really nice presentation for a relatively easy dessert. Don't let others scare you off. Enjoy your dinner. (Serious eats has an amazing sweet potato buttermilk (or any milk) biscuit.). Also try poached rhubarb.
Two Rules
1) never make a dish (whether main or other) first time for guests.
2) but if you do (and I have broken Rule #1), keep a safe back up on hand. For me, it's always eggs for a main and vanilla ice cream for dessert.
That said, this is an easy dish.
If you want to make an even easier version, don't fuss with the chocolate sauce and presentation of the Poire Belle Helene.
Instead, simply poach the pears in red wine, a little bit of sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon or orange zest. Serve warm, chilled or room temp (whichever your preference or schedule allows).
Serve with some nice almond cookies