Dutch Stewed Pears (Stoofperen)

Voorbereiding

Classic stewed pears not only look festive on the table, but they are also incredibly delicious. Serve them with meat or game, or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

1. Stand pears upright in a HexClad 3 QT/3 L Hybrid Saucepan. Pour in wine and add enough water to just cover the pears. Add the sugar, orange zest, cloves, star anise and cinnamon. 

2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the tip of a sharp knife slides easily into a pear. Using a slotted spoon, remove pears to a serving dish.

3. Return saucepan to medium-high heat and boil until stewing liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes; discard the solids. Carefully pour the hot syrup over the pears and serve warm or at room temperature. 

TIP Poached pears can be refrigerated in syrup for up to 3 days. Stew the pears in a dark lager, like a Bock, or a lighter amber ale rather than red wine. The bittersweet notes in the beer pair perfectly with the sweet pears.