Pear Saffron Compote Food

SAFFRON-POACHED PEARS

Steps:

• Peel the pears, leaving the stalk intact. Crush the cardamom pods.
• Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan with 1 litre of water, bring to a simmer and gently poach the pears for about 2 hours or until tender. Remove from the heat, allow to cool, then refrigerate overnight to steep.
• Before serving, remove the pears and set aside to bring to room temperature.
• Boil the syrup until reduced to a sticky glaze, about 250ml. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of saffron glaze over the pears, then serve with ice cream or cream.

PEAR COMPOTE

Steps:

• Bring 1/2 cup dry white wine, 1/2 split vanilla bean, 1 star anise pod and a pinch each of salt and pepper to a simmer; cook until reduced by half, 4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 chopped peeled pears and 3 tablespoons water; simmer 8 more minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon chopped thyme, increase the heat and simmer until syrupy, 1 to 4 minutes. Let cool.

PEAR COMPOTE

Steps:

• Peel, core and cut the pears into small cubes.
• Place the pear chunks in a small saucepan with the water, maple syrup, lemon juice, ground cinnamon and ginger. Stir to combine then turn on medium low heat.
• Cook for 15 to 20 minutes (see note 1), occasionally stirring, or until the pear chunks are very soft.
• Remove from the heat then blend until smooth with an immersion blender. Alternatively, roughly mash the pear chunks with a fork or masher for a chunky compote (see note 2).
• Serve warm, or leave to cool down at room temperature before transferring into a jar or sealed container. Keep in the fridge until ready to use or for up to a week.

WARM PEAR COMPOTE

Steps:

• Peel and core the pears and cut into eighths; set aside.
• In a medium-size saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon or allspice. Stir in the juice or fruit nectar and mix well. Place the pan on medium-high heat and cook the sauce, stirring, until the mixture is smooth. Add the pears and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 15 - 20 minutes or until the pears are just tender, almost translucent, and the syrup is thick. Stir in the rum and butter and heat a few minutes longer.

PEAR FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• Place pears on their sides in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish; arrange oranges and raisins around pears. In a small bowl, combine the water, brown sugar and salt. Pour over fruit; dot with butter., Cover and bake at 325° for 55-65 minutes or until pears are tender, basting occasionally. Halve and core pears; top with fruit mixture.

POACHED SAFFRON PEARS

Steps:

• Soak the saffron in warm water and leave for an hour. Dissolve the caster sugar in the water and ginger wine in a medium pan. Turn up the heat and boil for 3-4 minutes before adding the star anise and orange peel. Turn the heat to low and add the pears, peeled with stalks left on. Press scrunched greaseproof paper lightly over the pears. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, occasionally turning.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl. Strain the syrup into a jug and stir in the soaked saffron and liquid. Pour over the pears. Cover and chill for 24 hours, turning once.
• Place each pear on a separate plate, drizzle over a little syrup. Serve with dollops of mascarpone.