Lifestyle

Saffron poached pears will be your dinner party highlight this New Year's Eve

By Constance Loeper
Saffron pear

Photo: Constance Loeper

With only a few ingredients you’ll be able to whip up a tasty dessert in no time

These golden goodies are an elegant and delicious choice of dessert to celebrate the New Year with. The secret to getting that extra juicy and flavourful result is to let the pears soak in the poaching liquid until serving. With this time saving dessert I guarantee that you and your guests will get the perfect sweet ending to this year.

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Ingredients

Serves 6

  • 6 pears (preferably Conference)
  • 1 ½ l water
  • 15 saffron threads
  • 10 crushed cardamom pods
  • 5 cloves
  • 2 star anis
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 250 g mascarpone
  • Almond shavings

Photo: Constance Loeper

Method

  1. Peel the pears, leaving the stalk intact. Fill a large saucepan with water and combine all the ingredients except the mascarpone and almond shavings. Make sure all the pears are covered with water. Bring to simmer under a lid and gently poach the pears for about two hours or until tender.
  1. When the pears are ready, remove from the heat and allow them to cool in the refrigerator overnight.
  1. Before serving, gently remove your pears from the poaching liquid and let drain on paper. In the meantime, whisk the mascarpone to a fluffy cream.
  1. Serve your golden saffron poached pears with the whipped mascarpone. Add some dry roasted almond shavings for crunchiness.
saffron pears

Photo: Constance Loeper