Red Wine Poached Pears With Cinnamon and Cloves

Who says caring for your hormones can’t include a little indulgence? Red wine poached pears are a deliciously comforting dessert that feels like a treat — and supports your health in surprising ways.

Let’s talk about why this simple yet elegant dish can be a wonderful addition to your hormone-supportive meal plan, especially for those exploring holistic approaches like Functional Medicine Los Angeles to balance hormones naturally.

Suppose you’re in the Los Angeles area. In that case, clinics specializing in functional medicine Studio City can offer personalized guidance on nutrition and lifestyle changes to complement recipes like this one for optimal hormone health.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1. 4 ripe but firm pears, peeled, leaving stems intact
2. 1 bottle (750ml) red wine (choose a dry red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
3. 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
4. 2 cinnamon sticks
5. 4 whole cloves
6. 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
7. Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine red wine, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add pears standing upright in the liquid. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, turning pears occasionally until tender but not mushy.
3. Remove pears carefully and set aside. Increase heat and boil the poaching liquid until reduced by half, forming a syrup.
4. Serve pears drizzled with the red wine syrup. Optional: garnish with fresh mint or a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream.

Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving)

1. Calories: ~200 kcal
2. Natural sugars from pears and honey
3. Antioxidants from wine and spices
4. Fiber for digestion and blood sugar balance

Why Red Wine Poached Pears?

Pears are naturally sweet and full of fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar — a key player in hormone balance. When poached in red wine with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, this dessert becomes a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Moderate red wine consumption has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and heart health, thanks to compounds like resveratrol. That means this dessert isn’t just tasty; it supports your body’s ability to keep blood sugar steady and reduce inflammation, an important factor in functional medicine digestion in Los Angeles.

The Magic of Cinnamon and Cloves

Both cinnamon and cloves are power spices packed with antioxidants. Cinnamon helps improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar spikes, while cloves bring anti-inflammatory benefits that help keep your hormones happy.

Red wine poached pears are a lovely way to honor your body and indulge in something special without guilt. This dessert supports your hormones, reduces inflammation, and satisfies your sweet tooth all at once.

Enjoy the cozy flavors and know that you’re treating yourself and your health with every bite — just like the personalized care you would find at Functional Medicine Los Angeles.