Hibernating
Poached pears and cosy days
After a couple of weeks of sunshine on our belated honeymoon at the end of January, I really am in no position to complain about winter and the weather - but my goodness, what a drag this time of year is!
While we eagerly await any inkling of sunshine, and the slow, slow emergence of bulb beginnings - the candles are lit inside, baths are run daily and all cooking revolves around comfort and cosiness.
I’m a big poached pear fan. I love to have them bubbling gently away on the stove, making the kitchen smell glorious with wafts of cardamom, cinnamon or vanilla. A saffron-poached pear is an even more wonderful thing, especially at this grey time of year.
Poaching pears couldn’t be easier, and the result can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by custard, ice cream, yogurt, mascarpone… The options are endless. Here, I’ve used the pears as the ultimate comfort porridge topper, with a scoop of nut butter - I used cashew - and the reduced glaze for a hit of sweetness.
Saffron-poached pears on porridge
Serves 4
Ingredients
4 pears, peeled with the stalk still in tact
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
4 cloves
300g caster sugar
1 litre water
Large pinch strands of saffron
100g porridge oats
725ml milk
4 tbsp nut butter
Method
In a large saucepan, add the cinnamon, star anise, cloves, sugar, saffron and water and heat gently on a low flame.
Once simmering, carefully place the pears into the pan. Gently poach them for about an hour and a half, until a knife inserts easily.
Remove from the heat and refrigerate overnight in the syrup.
When ready to serve, remove the pears from the syrup and reduce the liquid over a gentle flame until a sticky glaze consistency is reached - about five minutes of simmering.
In another pan, gently heat the porridge oats and milk for about five minutes, stirring until it looks thick and creamy. Serve in four bowls, with a spoonful of nut butter and a poached pear on each, and finish with a drizzle of the reduced glaze.
Follow me on Instagram / byrosielouise
Follow me on TikTok / rosieatthecottage
Subscribe on YouTube / rosieatthecottage