This stunning dessert is both simple and elegant. It is the perfect way to finish a fabulous meal!
Origin Story…
The first time I had poached pears with fresh ricotta was during a cheese making class that I took with my mother at The Farm Cooking School. I literally moaned my way through eating it; it was so good! What a fun class! We learned how to make 4 different cheeses then sat down to a feast made with our cheeses. Spiced carrots over lentils with creme fraîche, kale salad with goat cheese, wild mushrooms and mozzarella… and poached pears with fresh ricotta. This was the star for me; the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Simple and rustic dessert…
The fragrant poached pears were grounded by the creamy and slightly sweet/salty ricotta in this effortlessly elegant dessert. I recommend serving the pears warm and the ricotta at-almost-room temperature. The flavors and textures are gorgeous and sure to please your guests. I poached my pears in a lovely Italian moscato and simple syrup with honey, cloves, ginger, and star anise. Feel free to substitute your favorite spice like, vanilla beans, cinnamon, or saffron. You cannot go wrong with any of these combinations.
Make your own ricotta…
You can certainly buy ricotta for this dessert but making your own is easy and so worth it! See my recipe for fresh ricotta that will blow your foodie friends away. You can even create a more complex flavor by using sheep or goat’s milk for your ricotta. This simple process really sets this dessert apart.
I hope you enjoy and share this wonderful show stopper with those you cherish the most.
To make simple syrup: combine water and sugar in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool. To poach pears: In large saucepan, combine wine, simple syrup, honey, star anise, cloves, and ginger. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Add pears and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until pears are tender. Remove pears from liquid and allow to cool a bit. Continue to simmer remaining liquid for about 15-20 minutes, until it has thickened and reduced by half. Remove from heat and allow to cool a bit. Remove spices and discard. To serve, place pears on plate, a scoop of ricotta, and drizzle with syrup. Serve warm. See ricotta recipe in post.Poached Pears with Fresh Ricotta
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5 Comments
Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes
March 21, 2019 at 8:32 amHow delicious does this sound!? I love the idea of this combination, and look forward to trying it VERY soon!
Chloe Daniels | Clo Bare
March 21, 2019 at 1:08 pmThis looks so good! I’ve never made my own ricotta before, but this sounds relatively easy to do!
egrant.salvi
March 21, 2019 at 9:34 pmIt really is surprisingly easy and so worth it. Hope you have a chance to make it! Thanks so much for the comment!
Melissa @ Beauty in the Crumbs
June 26, 2019 at 2:52 pmThis looks absolutely delicious! My kids are huge fruit fiends. This will be a great dessert to add to the rotation!
egrant.salvi
July 4, 2019 at 2:15 pmI hope your kiddos enjoy it! Mine absolutely LOVE it! Perfect in the fall 🙂