While in Southern Oregon, the Tandem Tasters, were fortunate to have Executive Chef James Rustin of Porters Dining at the Depot prepare:
Poached
Poached Whole Pears
5 fresh
8 oz. Hillcrest Orchard Pear wine
8 oz.
1 ea. Star Anise
1 ea. Cinnamon stick
2-3 whole black peppercorns
2/3 cup sugar
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a pan with pears fully covered.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender (Approx. 30-35 minutes).
Remove and chill pears.
Reduce poaching liquid to light syrup consistency; remove spices and chill.
Panna Cotta:
16 oz. homogenized milk
8 oz. heavy cream
1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup hazelnuts
2 teaspoons powdered gelatin in 1 oz. water to bloom
Directions:
Combine milk,
cream, sugar, hazelnuts, vanilla seeds and husk over high heat.
Scald, add gelatin and set aside to steep. Remove husk.
Puree and strain milk mixture.
Pour onto a 9 inch square baking pan or individual dessert dishes and chill. (Approx. one hour)
Candied Hazelnuts:
1/2 cup whole raw
1 egg white
1/4 cup sugar
Directions:
Toss hazelnuts in egg white and roll in sugar.
Toast in 300 degree oven until lightly brown and sugar begins to caramelize. (Approx. 10-15 minutes)
TO PLATE:
Cut shapes from congealed Panna Cotta and fit into the bottom of serving dishes.
Place whole poached pears upright into the gelatin.
Drizzle moderately with reduced poaching syrup and garnish with candied hazelnuts.
James used local products for the entire dessert.
Porters is located at 147 N. Front Street, Medford, OR 97501, TEL: 541 857 1910.
We hope you enjoy.
Culinary Yours,
The Tandem Tasters
Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
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Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
