Pears and Pineapple Poached in Amaretto (Crock Pot)

The scent of amaretto always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t a big drinker, but she kept a small bottle tucked away for special occasions, like drizzling over panettone at Christmas or adding a splash to her poached fruit. The way the almond fragrance mingled with the sweetness of the fruit created a truly comforting and elegant dessert, perfect for warming you from the inside out on a cold winter’s night. This slow-cooker version of poached pears and pineapple, infused with that same familiar amaretto aroma, is a delicious and effortless way to evoke those cherished memories.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 16
• Yield: 4 quarts
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 (28 ounce) cans pear halves in natural juice, drained
• 2 (20 ounce) cans pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup Amaretto
• 1 vanilla bean (one 2-inch piece)

Equipment Needed

• Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Ensure the pear halves and pineapple chunks are thoroughly drained to prevent the final dish from becoming overly watery. This step is crucial for concentrating the flavors of the amaretto and vanilla.

2. In your crock pot, gently combine the drained pear halves, pineapple chunks, packed brown sugar, Amaretto, and the vanilla bean. Stir the mixture carefully to evenly distribute the brown sugar and Amaretto, being mindful not to break up the delicate fruit.

3. Cover the crock pot and cook according to your preferred setting. For a longer, more gentle poaching process, cook on the low setting for 3 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook on the high setting for 1.5 hours. The key is to allow the fruit to soften and absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.

4. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the vanilla bean. You can split it open and scrape out the seeds back into the fruit mixture for a more intense vanilla flavour, or discard it.

5. Allow the poached fruit to cool slightly before serving. This will allow the flavours to meld even further.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Fruit Selection: While this recipe calls for canned fruit, feel free to use fresh pears and pineapple when in season. If using fresh pears, peel and core them before adding them to the slow cooker. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the ripeness of the fruit.

• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste after the fruit has cooked.

• Vanilla Bean Enhancement: To maximize the vanilla flavor, slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds before adding it to the crock pot. You can also simmer the empty bean pod in the Amaretto beforehand to infuse it with even more vanilla essence.

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the mixture for a warm and spicy twist.

• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the warm poached pears and pineapple in individual bowls, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted almonds, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The amaretto-infused syrup is delicious drizzled over the fruit.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled fruit and syrup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

To reheat, gently warm the poached fruit in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the fruit to become mushy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	167.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	1%
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	10.6 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	43.5 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	3.7 g	14%
Sugars	36.2 g	N/A
Protein	1 g	1%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as peaches, plums, or apples. Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the type of fruit you use.

• Non-Alcoholic Version: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Amaretto with almond extract (1-2 teaspoons) and apple juice or white grape juice.

• Spice it Up: Infuse the poaching liquid with other spices like star anise, cardamom pods, or a cinnamon stick for a warm and aromatic flavor profile.

• Citrus Zest: Add a strip of lemon or orange zest to the crock pot for a bright and zesty flavor.

• Dried Fruit: Incorporate a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots for added texture and sweetness.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
A: Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to peel and core any fresh fruits before adding them to the crock pot. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the ripeness of the fruit.

Q: Can I make this recipe without Amaretto?
A: Certainly! Substitute the Amaretto with almond extract and apple juice or white grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Q: How do I know when the fruit is done?
A: The fruit is done when it is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.

Q: Can I freeze this dessert?
A: Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Pears and Pineapple Poached in Amaretto is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow cooker method makes it incredibly easy to prepare, and the combination of sweet fruit, fragrant amaretto, and warm vanilla is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, spices, and garnishes to create your own unique variation. I hope you enjoy this delightful treat as much as I do. Share your experience and any variations you try – I’d love to hear your feedback! Consider serving this warm delight with a scoop of mascarpone cream or a glass of chilled Moscato for an extra special touch. Bon appétit!