Rosy Pear Compote Food

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.

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.

COMPOTA DE PERAS (PEAR COMPOTE)

Steps:

• Place pears in saucepan with all the remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook 10 to 15 minutes or until the pears are very soft but still hold their shape.
• Remove from heat and let cool a little.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with some of the cooking sauce.
• NOTE: For a birthday celebration, I served these with the pears whole (which I peeled but didn't core, and I cooked them whole). It provided only 2 servings though. But you can cut the pears in half, remove the core, and you'll get double the servings.