Pear Infused Brandy Food

PEAR INFUSED BRANDY

Steps:

• Add the brandy and pear to a Mason jar or other sealable glass jar/container. Place in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, turning over and back to right side up daily.
• After two weeks taste brandy and if achieving desired flavor concentration, drain, remove pears, reseal and store in a dark, cool place.

PEAR-BRANDY COCKTAILS

Steps:

• Pour 1 tablespoon brandy into each of 6 flutes. Put 2 teaspoons bitters in a small bowl. One at a time, add 6 sugar cubes to the bitters, turning to coat; divide among the flutes. Add a few thin pear slices to each glass and top with champagne.

BRANDIED PEARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Mix 1/3 cup brown sugar with water and lemon juice together in an ungreased baking dish until sugar is dissolved. Arrange pear halves, core side down, in the dish, and baste with the sauce. Cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake pears in the preheated oven for 20 - 25 minutes, or until fork-tender but not mushy.
• Meanwhile, mix nuts together with the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons brandy, and the yogurt; set aside. In a separate bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks form. Sprinkle in white sugar and remaining 2 teaspoons of brandy, or liqueur of choice, and gently whip a few strokes more.
• To serve, place one pear half in the center of each serving plate and fill core cavity with nut stuffing. Top with whipped cream. Serve warm.

PEAR VODKA (HOMEMADE)

Steps:

• Place fruit in clear 1 quart jar. Stir in vodka and brandy and sugar. Marinate, covered, for several weeks in a cool, dark place. Shake when you remember. (I tasted mine after 2 weeks).
• Strain through a fine sieve lined with cheesecloth.
• Pour into sterilized bottles.

MULLED WHITE WINE WITH PEAR BRANDY

Steps:

• 1. Put the wine in a medium heavy saucepan with the star anise, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and honey (start with 3 tablespoons and adjust later if necessary). Set the pan over medium heat and bring just to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and let the wine mull for at least 15 minutes.
• 2. Taste and add more honey if you like. Gently reheat the wine until it starts to steam, then turn off the heat and stir in the brandy.
• 3. Divide among 4 mugs or heatproof glasses, putting a few of the whole spices in each mug if you like, and add a slice of Asian pear. Toddy away!