Spice-Poached Pears with Vanilla Ice Cream is a sublime dessert featuring ripe pears simmered in spice-spiced port. Served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s a delightful blend of warm, aromatic spices and cool, sweet indulgence—a perfect harmony of flavours and textures.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said that “There are only ten minutes in the life of a pear when it is perfect to eat.” If you are lucky enough to come across some pears in that precious timeframe, here is a way to prepare them that will knock your socks off.

Spice-Poached Pears with Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Railway Chai or
- 2 tsp Monsoon Mulling Spice
- 1 cup Port Recommend Salt Spring Vineyards Blackberry Port
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 whole Pears Ripe - Peeled and Halved
- Vanilla Ice Cream Good Quality
Instructions
- Crush the Railway Chai or Mulling spices slightly in a mortar and pestle.2 tsp Railway Chai, 2 tsp Monsoon Mulling Spice
- Put port and spices into a small sauce pan. Bring to boil. Lower heat to simmer. Leave uncovered about 5 minutes until reduced by half.1 cup Port
- Add honey and stir well.2 tbsp Honey
- Add the pears and poach for 3-4 minutes or until desired consistency.2 whole Pears
- Take the pears out carefully. Strain out the spices. Return strained port to pot and further reduce to a thick syrup.
- Place pears in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, spoon spiced port on top.Vanilla Ice Cream