Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›The French Laundry›Caramel Poached Winter Nellis Pear Recipe

Caramel Poached Winter Nellis Pear Recipe

Inspired by The French Laundry
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Toasted Piedmont Hazelnut "Frangipane" and Williams Pear "Eau de Vie Veil"

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Ingredients

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For the Caramel Poached Pears

For the Toasted Piedmont Hazelnut Frangipane

For the Williams Pear Eau de Vie Veil

Method

For the Caramel Poached Pears

  1. 1

    Prepare the Pears

    Peel the Winter Nellis pears, leaving the stems intact. Cut a small slice off the bottom to create a flat base, ensuring they stand upright.

  2. 2

    Make the Caramel

    In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and allow it to boil without stirring until it turns a deep amber color.

  3. 3

    Poach the Pears

    Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the pears to the caramel, and cover. Poach for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally until the pears are tender.

  4. 4

    Flavor the Syrup

    Add vanilla extract and a cinnamon stick to the poaching liquid. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes before removing the pears.

For the Toasted Piedmont Hazelnut Frangipane

  1. 5

    Prepare the Hazelnuts

    If not already toasted, spread the Piedmont hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool and chop finely.

  2. 6

    Make the Frangipane

    In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

  3. 7

    Combine Ingredients

    Add the ground toasted hazelnuts, all-purpose flour, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.

  4. 8

    Chill the Frangipane

    Refrigerate the frangipane mixture for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

For the Williams Pear Eau de Vie Veil

  1. 9

    Prepare the Syrup

    In a small saucepan, combine Williams Pear Eau de Vie, water, and granulated sugar. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

  2. 10

    Simmer the Mixture

    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

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