Description
Try this elegant Botanical Violet Poached Pears infused with lavender, rose, and butterfly pea flower, drizzled with a spiced reduction, and served with whipped coconut cream—a perfect plant-based dessert for the holidays.
Ingredients
For Poaching the Pears
4 ripe but firm pears
2 cups water
1 tablespoon dried lavender
1 tablespoon dried rose petals
1 tablespoon butterfly pea flowers
1/2 cup sweetener of choice (e.g., maple syrup or sugar)
For the Reduction
Leftover poaching liquid
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or one vanilla bean scraped
up to 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced
3 cardamom pods
For Whipped Coconut Cream
1 can full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
1 tablespoon sweetener (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
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Peel the pears while keeping the stems intact. This will help retain their shape and make for a more beautiful presentation. You can do this easier by balancing them in boiling water for several minutes and then the skin slides off.
Step 2: Poach the Pears
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In a large saucepan, combine water, lavender, rose petals, butterfly pea flowers, and sweetener.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
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Add the peeled pears to the poaching liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged.
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Cover the saucepan and let the pears simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
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Once poached, carefully remove the pears from the liquid and set them aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Reduction
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Strain the poaching liquid to remove the botanicals.
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Return the liquid to the saucepan and add vanilla extract, fresh ginger, and cardamom pods.
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Simmer over medium heat until the liquid reduces to a thick, syrupy consistency, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
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Once the reduction is ready, remove the ginger slices and cardamom pods.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Coconut Cream
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Open the chilled can of coconut milk and scoop out the solidified cream into a mixing bowl.
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Using a hand mixer, whip the coconut cream until it becomes light and fluffy.
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Add sweetener and vanilla extract, if desired, and whip until fully combined.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
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Place the poached pears on serving plates.
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Drizzle the reduction over the pears for a beautiful, glossy finish.
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Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream to each plate.
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Garnish with a few extra lavender or rose petals, if desired, for a botanical flourish.
- Prep Time: 45
- Cook Time: 2 hours