Name: Candied Pears: A Sweet & Simple Recipe for Fall
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 6 candied pears
Ingredients: 6 firm but ripe pears (such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett); 4 cups granulated sugar; 2 cups water; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); Pinch of salt; Optional: Red food coloring (gel or liquid)

Candied pears, a delightful confection that transforms humble fruit into glistening jewels, are more than just a sweet treat; they're a taste of history and a testament to the art of preservation. Have you ever wondered how to elevate a simple pear into something truly extraordinary? Imagine biting into a pear, its flesh tender and infused with a rich, sugary sweetness, its surface sparkling with crystallized sugar – that's the magic of candied pears!

The practice of candying fruit dates back centuries, originating in ancient Mesopotamia as a way to preserve fruits before refrigeration. This technique slowly spread across the globe, becoming a cherished tradition in many cultures. In medieval Europe, candied fruits were prized delicacies, enjoyed by royalty and the wealthy elite. Today, we can easily recreate this luxurious treat in our own kitchens.

What makes candied pears so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The slight tartness of the pear is beautifully complemented by the intense sweetness of the sugar syrup. The slow candying process creates a unique texture – a tender, almost translucent interior with a satisfyingly crisp, sugary coating. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! Enjoy them as a standalone dessert, use them to garnish cakes and pastries, or add them to cheese boards for a touch of elegance. Let's embark on this sweet adventure together, and I'll show you how to make the most delectable candied pears you've ever tasted!

Ingredients:

6 firm but ripe pears (such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett)
4 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, complements the cinnamon)
Pinch of salt
Optional: Red food coloring (gel or liquid) for a festive look

Preparing the Pears:

Wash the pears thoroughly. Gently scrub them under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue.
Peel the pears. Use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the skin from each pear. Try to peel as thinly as possible to avoid wasting any of the fruit.
Core the pears. You have a couple of options here. You can use a melon baller or a small spoon to scoop out the core from the bottom of each pear, leaving the stem intact. Alternatively, you can cut the pears in half lengthwise and then use a spoon to remove the core from each half. If you choose to halve them, you can remove the stems as well.
Prevent browning. Pears tend to brown quickly once they're peeled and cut. To prevent this, immediately place the peeled and cored pears in a bowl of cold water mixed with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This will help maintain their beautiful color.

Making the Sugar Syrup:

Combine ingredients in a pot. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, light corn syrup, and lemon juice. The heavy-bottomed pan will help prevent the sugar from scorching.
Dissolve the sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. You should no longer see any sugar granules at the bottom of the pan.
Bring to a boil. Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil gently for about 5 minutes, without stirring. This will help create a stable syrup.
Skim off any impurities. As the syrup boils, you might notice some foam or impurities rising to the surface. Use a spoon to carefully skim these off and discard them. This will result in a clearer, more beautiful candied pear.

Candying the Pears:

Add the pears to the syrup. Gently remove the pears from the lemon water and add them to the simmering sugar syrup. Make sure the pears are submerged in the syrup. If necessary, you can add a little more water to the pot to ensure they are covered.
Simmer gently. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the pears gently in the syrup. The key here is to maintain a very low simmer, almost a poaching temperature. This will allow the pears to slowly absorb the sugar syrup without becoming mushy.
Cook for 1-2 hours. Simmer the pears for 1 to 2 hours, or until they become translucent and slightly softened. The exact cooking time will depend on the ripeness and variety of the pears. Check them periodically by piercing them gently with a fork. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
Add flavorings (optional). During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These spices will infuse the pears with a warm and delicious flavor. If you're using food coloring, add it at this stage as well. Start with a few drops and add more until you achieve the desired color.
Turn the pears occasionally. Gently turn the pears in the syrup every 20-30 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and are coated uniformly with the syrup. Be careful not to break them.

Cooling and Storing:

Remove from heat. Once the pears are candied to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Let the pears cool in the syrup. Allow the pears to cool completely in the syrup. This will allow them to continue absorbing the syrup and become even more flavorful. This process can take several hours, or even overnight.
Transfer to jars (optional). If you want to store the candied pears for an extended period, you can transfer them to sterilized jars. To sterilize the jars, wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water and then place them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let the jars cool completely before filling them with the pears and syrup.
Store in the refrigerator. Whether you store them in jars or in a container, keep the candied pears refrigerated. They will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy them as is. Candied pears are delicious on their own as a sweet treat.
Serve with ice cream. Top a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream with a candied pear for a decadent dessert.
Add to yogurt or oatmeal. Dice the candied pears and add them to yogurt or oatmeal for a flavorful and healthy breakfast or snack.
Use in baked goods. Incorporate chopped candied pears into muffins, cakes, or pies for a touch of sweetness and moisture.
Pair with cheese. Serve candied pears with a selection of cheeses, such as brie, goat cheese, or blue cheese, for a sophisticated appetizer or dessert.
Garnish with nuts. Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, over the candied pears for added texture and flavor.
Gift them! Candied pears make a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift. Package them in decorative jars or boxes and share them with friends and family.

Tips for Success:

Choose the right pears. Select firm but ripe pears that will hold their shape during the candying process. Avoid pears that are too soft or overripe.
Don't overcook the pears. Overcooked pears will become mushy and lose their shape. Simmer them gently until they are translucent and slightly softened, but still hold their form.
Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan. A heavy-bottomed saucepan will help prevent the sugar syrup from scorching.
Be patient. Candying pears is a slow process, but the results are well worth the effort. Allow the pears to simmer gently in the syrup for the recommended time, and let them cool completely in the syrup before serving.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet candied pear, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup.
Experiment with flavors. Feel free to experiment with different spices and flavorings to create your own unique candied pear recipe. Try adding ginger, cardamom, or star anise for a different twist.
Use a candy thermometer (optional). While not strictly necessary, a candy thermometer can help you monitor the temperature of the sugar syrup and ensure that it reaches the correct consistency. The ideal temperature for candying is around 220-230°F (104-110°C).

Troubleshooting:

Pears are too hard: If the pears are still hard after simmering for the recommended time, continue simmering them for longer, checking them periodically until they reach the desired tenderness.
Pears are too mushy: If the pears become too mushy, it means they have been overcooked. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to fix this, but you can still use them in baked goods or as a topping for ice cream. Next time, reduce the simmering time.
Syrup is too thick: If the syrup becomes too thick, add a little more water to the saucepan and stir until it thins out.
Syrup is too thin: If the syrup is too thin, continue simmering it for longer, without the pears, until it thickens to the desired consistency. Be careful not to burn the syrup.
Pears are browning: If the pears start to brown during the candying process, it means they were not properly submerged in the syrup. Make sure the pears are completely covered with syrup at all times.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This recipe for candied pears is more than just a dessert; it's an experience. The combination of the pear's natural sweetness, the warm spices, and the glistening, sugary coating creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who appreciates simple elegance and delicious homemade treats. It's surprisingly easy to make, yet the results are so impressive that you'll feel like a culinary artist. But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it's incredibly versatile. Imagine serving these glistening beauties as a stunning centerpiece on your holiday table. They're perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion where you want to add a touch of sophistication. Or, picture yourself enjoying a quiet evening with a warm, spiced candied pear and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's the ultimate comfort food! And the possibilities don't stop there! These candied pears are fantastic served warm or cold. Warm, they're incredibly comforting, especially on a chilly evening. Cold, they're a refreshing and elegant treat, perfect for a summer gathering. You can also chop them up and add them to your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of flavor and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* With Ice Cream: A classic pairing! Vanilla, cinnamon, or even a salted caramel ice cream would be divine. * With Cheese: Serve alongside a selection of cheeses, such as brie, gorgonzola, or goat cheese, for a sophisticated appetizer. The sweetness of the pears complements the savory cheeses beautifully. * In Salads: Add chopped candied pears to your favorite salad for a touch of sweetness and texture. They pair particularly well with salads that include walnuts, pecans, or blue cheese. * As a Topping: Use them as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Drizzle with a little of the leftover syrup for extra flavor. * Spiced Up: Experiment with different spices! Try adding a pinch of cardamom, star anise, or even a little bit of chili powder for a unique twist. * Liquor Infusion: For an adult version, add a tablespoon or two of your favorite liquor to the syrup while the pears are simmering. Brandy, rum, or even a fruit liqueur would work well. * Chocolate Drizzle: Once the pears are cooled, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate for an extra decadent treat. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you'll love the results. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the pears simmer in the spiced syrup is simply heavenly. And the taste? Well, you'll just have to experience it for yourself. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create something truly special. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and variations to make it your own. And most importantly, have fun! Once you've made these amazing candied pears, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I can't wait to see what you create. Happy cooking!