Poached Pears And Mascarpone In Asian Syrup

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Details

15 Ingredients

• 8 firm, medium (3 1/2 lbs) pears, such as red, Bartlett or Bosc
• 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine, such as chardonnay
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 stalk lemon grass, trimmed and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
• 1-inch piece (unpeeled) ginger root, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
• 4 wide strips orange peel
• 6 whole star anise
• 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup mascarpone cheese
• 4 store-bought scones or almond croissants, trimmed into 2 3/4-inch rounds and cut in half horizo...
• 1 oz (1/3 cup) sliced almonds, toasted (see NOTE)
• Mint sprigs, for garnish