Navarro Verjus Poached Pears

Jean and Anne keep Philo, CA the crush crew fed and happy during the harvest.

4 fresh firm pears (not too ripe)
2 cups Verjus
1 cup granulated sugar
1 lemon, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
1/2 cup whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350º. Skin pears, leaving stem on. Remove the core from bottom without piercing the top. Soak pears for 5 minutes in Verjus to prevent discoloration.

Strain Verjus into a heavy pot and add lemon slices, sugar, and cinnamon. Simmer gently until it becomes a light syrup (225º).

Stick a clove into each pear near the stem. Place pears in the syrup, cover and bake until soft (about 45 minutes).

Serve hot or cold with whipped cream and toasted chopped walnuts.

Serves Four

Jean and Anne DuVigneaud
Navarro Vineyards
Philo, CA