This easy pear compote with black peppercorn and vanilla syrup will be perfect as an appetizer on your cheese board for your next gathering party!
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The Holiday season is right around the corner, so it’s time to load up with inspiration to get the festivities started! Now to all cheese lovers out there (don’t be shy, I know you are one of them), I’ve got you covered with this quick fruit compote. Prepared with 5 ingredients only, it will make a beautiful centerpiece on your Thanksgiving cheese board, alongside with other nuts, crackers and bread, and is guaranteed to delight your guests.
Pear compote with black peppercorn syrup
It’s a pear compote, you get it. Actually I shared another pear compote with vanilla in the past. But makes this one so special and different from a classic pear compote? And what does it taste like?
First of all, you will notice that we use both vanilla and black peppercorn in the recipe. The result is a subtle sweet and savory flavor that balances salted cheese beautifully. Then, what really stands out here is the use of black peppercorns. They bring a little kick to the pear compote.
Which peppercorn to choose?
You might know it already, but there are many different peppercorns, with different aromas. As an ambassador for Peugeot Saveurs, I got to discover many different spices and peppercorn, identify which ones paired well with which ingredients and also which ones were my personal favorites.
Among them all, my personal favorite is the Timut black pepper. Timut Peppercorns have a bright citrusy flavor that is reminiscent of grapefruit, with a slight heat that has a numbing effect on the lips and tongue. It is delicious with fresh salads, fruits, and basically anytime you want to add subtle aromas to a dish, without going too heavy on spices.
What to serve with my pear compote with black peppercorn syrup?
Of course, cheese is the star here. I recommend you include a variety of flavors and textures by selecting cheeses from different families: aged, soft, firm and blue. If you ask me, as a French expert, I would go for blue cheese, soft or hard goat cheese, and maybe Gruyere and Brie.
Keep in mind that pear jam makes a wonderful centerpiece in your cheese board. To make your cheese board even more complete, you can prepare these thin and delicate multiseed crispbreads, or make my easy classic no-knead bread recipe. This last recipe is pure magic. With no effort and just 5 minutes, you can whip up the perfect crusty bread every single time. You can also try these different variations that all work pretty well with cheese:
Now if you want to be a little bit more fancy, you can bake a gingerbread (a classic gingerbread or a super moist gingerbread version) and make these delicious Gorgonzola Pear Gingerbread Toasts, or enjoy with German dark rye bread.
A lovely edible gift
Last but not least, pear compote also makes a lovely edible gift for the holiday season. Make sure you check these 5 Easy Homemade Edible Gifts and watch this little video to learn how to make them.
Other fruit recipes to consider with cheese:
- Mango Chutney – Try them on these Savory French Toasts with goat cheese.
- Fig Salad with a Vanilla and Black Pepper Syrup
- Apricot and Almond Jam with Vanilla
Pear Compote with Black Peppercorn Syrup
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 or 2 jars 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Cuisine: Plant-based
This easy pear compote with black peppercorn and vanilla syrup will be perfect as an appetizer on your cheese board for your next gathering party!
Email me this recipe
We’ll send it straight to your inbox, along with weekly food inspiration!
Ingredients
- 2 small pears, peeled, cored and diced
- 1 vanilla pod, cut lengthwise
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper*
- 1 or 2 clove(s)
- 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar
Instructions
- Place pears, sugar, black pepper*, clove and vanilla pod in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons water and bring to boil.
- Turn off the heat, grate the vanilla seeds in the pear compote. Then transfer to one or two glass jars.
- Let infuse for about 30 minutes or ideally overnight in the refrigerator. Serve with a cheese board, alongside with bread, crackers and fresh grapes.
Notes
* I use freshly cracked Timut black pepper, which brings beautiful aromas.
Did you make this recipe?
Lastly, if you make this Pear Compote with Black Peppercorn Syrup, be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thank you and enjoy!
