Gimme Love, Wine, and Roses or make me Mulled Wine Poached Pears with Boozy Chocolate Sauce

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I’ve always considered Valentine’s day a holiday for greeting card stores or an excuse… Correction — an opportunity to savor a box of boutique chocolates or a fabulously expensive  bottle of red… or both. I also am acutely aware that Valentines can be a mixed bag emotionally and for those of us who spent it without a date, a partner, or anyone to share it with, this day of hearts and flowers would limp along sadly. Then Gallentine’s day made its debut and it was actually cool to celebrate being unattached. 

In my life, Valentine’s Day has gone through many phases. From the bewildered, all alone and lonely ones, to the rose petals, poetry, and romantic getaway mode, to the I just want a cozy new robe, fancy chocolates and Netflix era. During each of these seasons, the holiday seemed a bit overrated and honestly the only thing I really enjoyed was inventing new chocolate desserts to share with my loves (i.e. my husband and kids). Now that the kids are grown, Geoff and I like to celebrate with a little fine dining, a fabulous view, and lots of laughter.  I still love the dessert part so in honor of this day of hearts and sweet treats, I give you this lovely recipe of poached pairs ahem, I mean red wine poached pears drizzled lovingly in a boozy chocolate sauce. You won’t feel too guilty but you will know that you are indulging so enjoy every sublime bite. And for those of you who didn’t much appreciate sharing Gallentine’s with the Super Bowl and feel jipped, I say celebrate today (or on the 15th if you want your own day) and make this truly decadent dessert while you’re at it.

We made this dessert live on our Facebook page. Check it out below:

Yield: - 4 +

Author: Lizette Marx

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Mulled Wine Poached Pears with Boozy Dark Chocolate Sauce

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 25 Min

This poached pear recipe is an elegant finale after a romantic meal at home. Pears simmer in a sweet mulled wine made with ginger, spices, and vanilla bean until they are tender and stained a beautiful crimson color. Then the pears are garnished with a generous drizzle of Boozy Dark Chocolate and a dollop of whipped cream, creme fraiche or vanilla ice cream. The final bittersweet note is a sprinkle of cacao nibs.

IngredientsUSMetric

• 1 1/2 cups of red wine
• 1 cup ruby port
• 1/4 cup palm sugar
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced into coins
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla bean
• 2 star anise
• 5 black peppercorns
• 3 cloves
• 4 pears, peeled, halved and cored

Boozy Dark Chocolate Sauce

• 5 oz chocolate, cut into pieces
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Reduced poaching liquid

Top with...

• Creme Fraiche or Whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream
• 3 tablespoons of cacao nibs, divided

Instructions

Poach Pears

1. Combine red wine, port, palm sugar, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla bean, star anise, peppercorns, and cloves in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add pears.
2. Poach pears for 15 minutes and then turn over and simmer for another 15 minutes until cooked evenly and tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. For a more reddish hue, allow pears to rest in the poaching liquid until cooled.

Make the sauce

1. Melt chocolate over a double-boiler and stir in butter until melted and thoroughly incorporated.
2. When pears are finished cooking and steeping in the poaching liquid, transfer them to a plate and bring poaching liquid to a boil. Reduce liquid by 1/3. Pour reduction through a strainer and stir into melted chocolate mixture.

Assemble and plate

1. Slice pears lengthwise and carefully place into wine goblets. Ladle a generous drizzle Boozy Chocolate Sauce on top sauce.
2. Top with Creme Fraiche, freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream sprinkle with cacao nibs. Serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

354.45

Fat (grams)

8.55

Sat. Fat (grams)

5.21

Carbs (grams)

55.69

Fiber (grams)

6.19

Net carbs

49.50

Sugar (grams)

40.14

Protein (grams)

2.62

Sodium (milligrams)

421.76

Cholesterol (grams)

24.12