Pears Poached in Red Wine and Lavender

Here is a recipe that borders on the exotic and allows you to flex your creative muscle in the kitchen. A mélange of cinnamon, honey, lavender and vanilla will fill your kitchen as you prepare this simple dessert that's sure to impress.

Ingredients:

  • 750 ml bottle of red wine (suggested: Merlot or Pinot Noir) 
  • 1 stick cinnamon 
  • 1/2 c. honey 
  • 2 Tbsp. lavender blossoms 
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 
  • zest of one lemon 
  • 3 Bosc pears, peeled, split, cored 
  • 2 1/2 c. water 

Preparation: 

  1. Pour wine into a 3.5-qt. shallow sauce pan and turn heat to medium.  Add the cinnamon, honey, lavender, vanilla bean and zest and stir, making sure the honey is thoroughly blended into wine.  
  2. Add the pears and pour enough water into the pan so the pears are completely covered.  Cook until pears are fork-tender.   
  3. Serve on a plate with fruit sorbet and a cookie.  May be served hot or cold. 
Desserts