Madeira Poached Pears

For Madeira Poached Pears you will need:

NOTE: I do the pear the day before, optional, but I like to give the pears more time to soak in the poaching syrup and chilled. If you have time, sprinkle some toasted almonds or pecan on top of the ice cream.

The Pears

6 Barlett pearrs ~~~ they should be quite firm, not over~ripe or they will dissolve when poached.

Pour ice cold water & squeeze 1/2-3/4 of lemon juice in a non~reactive mixing bowl (glass, ceramic, stainless)

Peel the pears.

Place the prepared pear into the cold lemon water, which will prevent them from discolouring. Let them sit in the lemon water while preparing the poaching solution

The Poaching Solution

3 cups of Madeira wine (Casa dos Vinhos - 5 years old, a lower priced madeira, good for cooking)2 Tbs lemon juice

3/4 cup granulated sugar/maple syrup (do not use confectioners sugar) - I used 1/4 maple syrup and 1/2 cup of granulated sweetener for baking.

I wrapped mulling spices from william soloman in cheeseclothes like a teabag -- cinnamon chips, orange rind, whole allspice, wholes cloves, cinnamon oil, orange oil -- or simple 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder should work

A few drops of natural vanilla and/or caramel extract if you like (optional)

To a non~reactive saucepan (enamel, stainless, etc), add the wine, lemon juice, sugar and mulling spice/cinnamon.

Stir over medium heat until all are incorporated and then cover and bring to a low boil. Now add the pear (make sure the solution covers at least one side of the pear).

Allow the pear to simmer for about 15-30 minutes, turning with a slotted spoon.

The pears will become soft and fragile, be a little careful.

After about 15-30 minutes, remove from heat and allow the saucepan of pears to cool, covered. This resting time is actually important. The timing depends on how soft you like the pear to be and the size of the pear.

You can serve now or chill the pear in the solution in the fridge overnight for next day use. Some people don't like the pear chill, then serve on the same day.

While the pear are draining, boil down the Madeira syrup to reduce it's volume to about 1/2 or less. NOW..., everything can be set aside for later.

Spoon a puddle of the Madeira syrup.

Drip 1 Tsp of the syrup onto the cream (mascrophone or ice cream or whipped cream).