Southern Poached Pears With Gentlemen Jack Sa
Description
This sophisticated Southern dessert transforms simple Bartlett pears into an elegant treat. The pears are gently poached until tender, then served with a rich, smooth puree made from the poaching liquid and Gentleman Jack Rare Whiskey. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, fruity flavors with a subtle warmth from the whiskey. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice milk and garnished with fresh mint and strawberries, this dish offers a beautiful presentation and delightful texture contrast. Its perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or as a luxurious weekend dessert. The recipe is straightforward but yields impressive results, making it a standout choice for any occasion.Ingredients
Directions
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Carefully peel the 8 pears, leaving the stems intact.
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Place the peeled pears in a large pot or saucepan and cover with water.
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Add 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar to the water.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until pears can be easily pierced with a fork but are not mushy.
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Remove the pot from heat and allow the pears to cool in the poaching liquid.
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Cover the pot and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the pears to absorb flavor.
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Remove the pears from the liquid, reserving the liquid.
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Pour the reserved poaching liquid into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
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Boil the liquid until it reduces to approximately 1 cup.
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Set the reduced liquid aside to cool.
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Halve the pears lengthwise, ensuring the stems remain attached to one half of each pear.
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Carefully remove the core from each pear half, keeping the halves intact.
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Select the six most attractive pear halves with stems attached and set them aside for plating.
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Remove the stems from the two less attractive pear halves and set them aside with their mates.
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Place the two stemmed-less pear halves and their mates into a blender container.
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Pour the cooled reduced poaching liquid and 1/4 cup Gentleman Jack Rare Whiskey into the blender with the pears.
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Blend until smooth to create about 2 cups of pear puree.
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To serve, divide half of the pear puree equally among six plates, pouring a small amount on the bottom of each plate.
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Place one pear half with the stem attached, cavity side down, on top of the puree on each plate.
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Using a sharp knife, make careful slices starting about 1/2 inch from the stem end, cutting all the way through to the opposite end, about 1/4 inch apart.
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Gently fan the slices apart by pressing lightly on them until the ends separate slightly.
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Place the remaining pear halves (without stems), cavity side up, next to each fanned pear half on the plates.
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Fill the cavity of each stem-less pear half with a 1-ounce (2 tablespoon) scoop of vanilla ice milk.
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Garnish each plate with a mint leaf beside the pear stem.
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Add a few slices of strawberry for color, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 131.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.5g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 9.5mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 30.0g10%
- Dietary Fiber 10.5g42%
- Sugars 13.4g
- Protein 4.1g9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The pears and puree can be prepared up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Ensure pears are not overcooked during simmering to maintain their structure for fanning.
If you prefer a stronger whiskey flavor, you can increase the amount of Gentleman Jack Rare Whiskey in the puree by 1-2 tablespoons.
Vanilla ice cream can be substituted for vanilla ice milk if preferred, though ice milk provides a lighter texture.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the whiskey and use additional reduced poaching liquid or apple juice in the puree.