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.
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.
