These Imperius Pears, poached in red wine and bathed in chocolate, are one of the unforgivable dishes. They cast a pleasant thrall over those who eat them; there’s a darkness tinged with spices, especially the unusual black pepper, but the chocolately sweetness is so dreamy that the eater doesn’t mind losing their will.
Only the wizard with exceptional strength is able to resist – but why would they want to?
Harry Potter Imperius Pears
- 4 Bosc pears, almost ripe
- 2 1/2 cups red wine (such as cabernet)
- 3/4 cups sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- 12 black pepper pods
- 1/2 inch ginger, sliced into coins
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
- pinch salt
Peel the pears and scoop out the core at the bottom with a spoon.
In a small saucepan, heat wine, sugar, vanilla bean, black pepper pods, and ginger to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and submerge the pears two face up, two face down.
Simmer for approximately 20 minutes, then flip pears and simmer another 20 minutes. Check to see that they are easily pierced by a fork but not falling apart. Remove to a plate.
Strain the remaining wine mixture and return to the saucepan, add cocoa and salt, and bring to a boil. Lower heat slightly and simmer until mixture thickens, coating a spoon. Remove from heat and cool.
Arrange pears on a plate and drizzle with the wine and chocolate reduction. Service with more on the side.
Submitted for PotterPowers day of Common Room’s PotterWeek – check out #PotterWeek around social media for tons of fun Harry Potter-related goodness!
Mischief managed.