Pear Bureau Northwest Toasts Fiery New Pear Cocktail by Author Kara Newman
Editor’s note: High resolution images of chefs and pear recipes are available upon request.
PORTLAND, Ore. and New York – January 4, 2010 – The Bartlett pear, usually known for its sweetness, is starting to feel the heat, courtesy of a new drink recipe by author and mixologist Kara Newman. Her recipe for The Peppered Poire mixes pepper and pears, resulting in a spicy concoction perfect for adventurous cocktail fans. Newman is the latest in a line-up of culinary experts to be honored by Pear Bureau Northwest’s Pear Panache program.
Pear Panache is a chef recognition program sponsored by Pear Bureau Northwest. The annual contest spotlights the nation’s top chefs and bartenders for their creative work with pears. Each year, seven culinary experts are chosen from hundreds of recipe entries and featured on www.PearPanache.com.
“Pear cocktails using fresh puree have gained in popularity in recent years,” said Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest. “The Peppered Poire follows that trend, but is unlike any other pear cocktail that I’ve ever tasted. It has a nice kick with smoky black pepper, while still retaining the delicate sweetness of a Bartlett.”
The Peppered Poire relies on fresh Bartlett pears and pear-flavored liqueur for its signature flavor. Bartlett pears are a popular pear variety, available during the winter months, with a smooth texture and sweet taste that make it ideal for canning or pairing. Usually paired with wines and cheeses, the Bartlett also pairs with spicy flavors, including peppercorns and pepper flakes, as demonstrated by The Peppered Poire.
“The best ‘spicy cocktails’ are those with a balance of heat and sweet,” says Newman. “In this recipe, the pear stands up to the strong pepper flavors, serving as a smooth counterpart to the strength of the peppercorns and red pepper flakes.”
Newman is a food, wine and spirits writer based in New York. Her first book, "Spice and Ice," all about spicy cocktails, was published by Chronicle Books in November 2009. Her work has also appeared in Imbibe Magazine, The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle and The Washington Post.
The Peppered Poire
Makes one drink
Adapted from “Spice & Ice – 60 Tongue-Tingling Cocktails,” by Kara Newman
Black Pepper Simple Syrup
1/4 cup whole black peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
The Peppered Poire Cocktail
1 ounce gin
1/2 ounce Poire William or similar pear-flavored liqueur
1/4 ounce fresh Bartlett pear puree
1/2 ounce black pepper simple syrup
Sparkling wine
To make the simple syrup, place a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the black peppercorns and red pepper flakes and toast for 30 seconds, shaking the pan frequently to move contents and prevent burning. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Reduce heat to medium low and add water and sugar. Let simmer for a few minutes or until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Strain the syrup into a container and discard the solids.
To make the fresh Bartlett pear puree, peel and core a ripe Bartlett pear. Cut into chunks and purée in a food processor or blender until smooth. If desired, the skin may be left on the pear, which will provide vibrant flecks of color to your fresh purée. A splash of lemon juice will help prevent your purée from browning.
To make The Peppered Poire, add the gin, Poire William, pear puree and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Strain the contents into a champagne flute and top off the glass with sparkling wine. Float 2 or 3 whole black peppercorns on top of the fizz, if desired.
About Pear Bureau Northwest and USA Pears
Pear Bureau Northwest is the non-profit marketing organization established in 1931 to promote the fresh USA Pears grown in Washington and Oregon. Together, these two states represent 1,600 growers and 84 percent of the nation’s fresh pear production. The Bureau also develops national and international markets for Northwest pear distribution. For more information, including fresh pear recipes, nutrition facts, and short films featuring Washington and Oregon pear growers, visit www.usapears.org. For more fresh pear cocktail recipes and tips, visit www.usapears.org/cocktails.
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