# Mulled Wine Pears with Mascarpone Cream – A Dessert to Remember
### Introduction
Make an impression with *Mulled Wine Pears with Mascarpone Cream!* This recipe is perfect for treating your family or impressing your guests with its perfect balance of soft, wine-infused pears and decadent mascarpone cream.
### Why Make This Recipe
This is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience in itself! From its mouth-watering aroma to its elegant appearance and divine taste, this recipe captures all the essence of a perfect dessert. Plus, it’s simple to make and sure to captivate anyone with a sweet tooth.
### How to Make Mulled Wine Pears with Mascarpone Cream
#### Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears, peeled and cored
– 750 ml red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 4 cloves
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 star anise
– 1 vanilla bean, split
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 2 tbsp powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
#### Directions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, orange zest, star anise, and the split vanilla bean. Bring this to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Then, add in the peeled and cored pears to the saucepan. Make sure they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
3. Allow the pears to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally until they turn tender and full of flavor.
4. In a separate bowl, prepare the mascarpone cream. Mix the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it turns smooth and creamy.
5. When the pears are cooked, gently remove them from the liquid and cool slightly.
6. Serve the pears either warm or at room temperature, with a generous dollop of mascarpone cream on the side.
### How to Serve Mulled Wine Pears with Mascarpone Cream
This dish can be served as an elegant dessert post-dinner. If desired, drizzle some of the reduced mulled wine syrup over the pears for an added flavor burst!
### How to Store Mulled Wine Pears with Mascarpone Cream
Store the pears and mascarpone cream separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pears will last for 2-3 days, and the mascarpone cream can be refrigerated for up to a week.
### Tips to Make Mulled Wine Pears with Mascarpone Cream
Use ripe but firm pears for the best results. Slightly under-ripe pears can also be used as they will soften during cooking. Moreover, consider using a wine you enjoy drinking because its flavor will concentrate as it simmers.
### Variation
If you’d like to add a bit of crunch to the dish, consider sprinkling toasted almond flakes or crushed amaretti cookies over the served pears and cream.
### FAQs
– **Can I use white wine instead of red?**
Yes, you can make this recipe with white wine. The result will be lighter in color and flavor but equally delicious.
– **What other fruits can I use?**
Apples can be used instead of pears. Their firm texture holds up well when simmered in the wine.
– **Can I make this dessert alcohol-free?**
Yes. Replace the wine with a mixture of grape juice and a bit of lemon juice. Add a splash of non-alcoholic red wine vinegar to mimic the acidity and depth of wine.
Try out this *Mulled Wine Pears with Mascarpone Cream* recipe to elevate your dessert game to new heights!