Pampers and Paklava

Pear-Riesling Sorbet Recipe

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Pacific Rim Late Harvest RieslingOn the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Riesling in a pear tree. Actually, I gave this gift to him, in the form of Pear-Riesling sorbet. Sweet notes of candied apricot, pear, green tea and orange blossom mingled with fresh pear. Iced and refreshing, our sorbet “peared” perfectly with the delicious Pear Tart our friend Greg brought for dessert.

Pear-Riesling Sorbet couldn’t be easier to make. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, here’s what you do:  chill the ingredients in the freezer periodically (every hour or so) check back and stir in the frozen edges, until it is frozen and ready. Sorbet made this way will take longer (about 5 hours), but it works. Also note that sorbet (and ice cream) made at home is always softer than store-bought versions and, when served, melts more quickly.

You’ll find that one bottle of late harvest Riesling (I used Pacific Rim Vin de Glaciere) generally provides enough wine to make this recipe once, with enough left over for an aperitif for two…perfect with a strong cheese like Roquefort or aged cheddar. Just the thing to enjoy as you search for five golden rings!

Pear-Riesling Sorbet

  • 1-1/4 cup Riesling (my choice was a late harvest dessert Riesling)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 very ripe pears, peeled and cored (I used a combination of pear types but you could easily just select your favorite)
  • Juice from one-half lemon

How to:

  1. Combine pears, 3/4 cup wine, and 1/4 cup sugar in a saucepan and cook until the pears are tender, but have not developed any color.
  2. Pour the pear mixture into a blender with remaining ingredients (. Puree until smooth. Chill overnight.
  3. Churn in your ice cream maker.
  4. Let it chill in freezer a bit.
  5. Enjoy!

Pear-Riesling sorbet and pear tart

When the weather outside is frightful, indulge in something more delightful. Check out Wanderfood Wednesday!

Perfectly Peared: Pear-Rosemary Sipper Recipe

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Pear-rosemary sipperThere’s nothing like starting off a holiday celebration—or any occasion for that matter–with a special cocktail and a few nibbles. And whether you float fresh berries atop a glass of bubbly or incorporate a medley of garden herbs into a unique appetizer, finding inspiration from the seasons can turn a good recipe into a really special recipe.

For this autumn sipper that’s where rosemary comes in. With its hint of pine, a whiff of rosemary is redolent of a stroll through the forest. The surprise is that pear is the perfect sweet foil for this sophisticated cocktail.

Over the years, I’ve made a number of simple syrups: lavender, rose-scented geranium, chamomile, and lemon verbena, but I never considered assertive, pungent rosemary until I saw this recipe. This syrup is delicious, and I’m already thinking up more ways to use it throughout the year: winter tea, summer lemonade and—of course—on ice cream.

Here’s to fall. May you enjoy a succulent season!

Pear-Rosemary Sipper

Note: You could also make this drink without liquor by topping off the rosemary simple syrup, pear juice and lemon with a spritzer. In fact, DRY Soda’s herbal Juniper Berry comes to mind.

Makes 2 drinks

  • 2 oz. vodka (you could use a pear infused vodka like those made by Grey Goose or Absolut)
  • 2 oz. pear brandy (I used the Portland-based Clear Creek Distillery)
  • 2 oz. Rosemary Simple Syrup (see below)
  • 4 oz. pear juice
  • 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 pear slices, for garnish (optional)
  • 2 sprigs rosemary, for garnish (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Rosemary Simple Syrup

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • A few sprigs of fresh rosemary, about 4″ long each

To make the Rosemary Simple Syrup:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and rosemary.  Heat the mixture on medium-high and stir to dissolve the sugar.  Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.  Remove the rosemary sprig once cool and use the syrup as desired.  Extra syrup will keep in the fridge for a few days.

To make the sipper:

  1. In a martini shaker or pitcher, add a few ice cubes, vodka, pear brandy, simple syrup, pear juice and lemon juice.  Shake well and strain the drinks into martini or low-ball glasses.
  2. Garnish drinks with a rosemary sprig or a pear slice.

Want to sip on more deliciousness? Check out Wanderfood Wednesday!