Ardross Farm News and Events

Mulled Pears

Posted 04 January 2012

<< Previous | Next >>

Here's a great way to celebrate the wonderful varieties of pears we have in this country at this time of year - with a little nod to Christmas to help get us in the festive mood!
These are fantastic served with creme fraiche or ice cream, and maybe even a piece of shortbread if you want to be really indulgent.

Serves 5

5 pears, variety of your choice
750 ml (1 bottle) red wine
750 ml water
350 ml unrefined caster sugar
the peel of 1 medium orange, in strips
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise
1 tablespoon redcurrant jelly

First, prepare the syrup to poach the pears. In a pan large enough to snugly fit the fruit, combine the wine, sugar, peel and spices.
Gently bring to a simmer, while you peel the pears and core (I like to use a melon baller to remove the core neatly). As you peel each one, add to the syrup.
Once all the pears are in the pan, add enough water to just cover them.
Cover these with a circle of greaseproof paper, and simmer gently until cooked (the point of a skewer will go through the pear). How long this will take depends on the size and ripeness of the pears, but usually around 20 minutes is enough.
Once cooked. leave to cool in the syrup until cold.
When cooled, remove the pears, strain the syrup and boil until reduced by half - or until the flavours are as intense as you like. Whisk in the jelly until it dissolves, and then leave to cool.
To serve, simply dish up the cold pears, top with the mulled wine syrup, and add the accompaniment of your choice.

Recipe created by James Lowe @ The Elemental Kitchen

Latest News (download pdf)

• The Hotties are here!
  16 February 2012
  As well as our fantastic saw dust briquettes we are very proud to be stocking Hotties............
  read more >>
• Shop Floor Supervisor
  14 February 2012
  We are looking for someone with a passion for food, people and customer service............
  read more >>
• Chilli Lovers
  27 January 2012
  We have some great new products for all the chilli lovers out there............
  
  read more >>
• Happy New Year!
  05 January 2012
  Everyone at Ardross Farm Shop would like to wish our customers a Happy New Year...........
  read more >>