Simple Comfort: Poached Pears and Cozy Winter Reading

Winter is a season that invites slowing down, noticing the quiet details of life, and savoring moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed. It’s the perfect time to curl up with a book — or two — that reflect that same thoughtful, measured pace.

There are two books I am interested in reading this winter: Wintering by Katherine May and A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler.

Wintering explores the rhythms of life, the ebb and flow of our energy, and the gentle art of surviving and thriving through the colder, slower months. A Whole Life tells the story of a life lived simply, quietly, and with a deep connection to the natural world and the passing of time. Both books invite patience, observation, and reflection — qualities that make them perfect companions for a simple, comforting treat. 

These light, syrup-poached pears are exactly that: gentle, unadorned, and quietly satisfying. Like the stories in these books, they encourage you to pause, savor, and notice the subtle sweetness in life’s slower moments. Whether you’re reading about navigating life’s seasons or following a life lived with care and attention, these pears are the perfect companion for winter reading.

Pears have always carried an emotional weight for me. When I was young, I spent summers visiting my grandpa, and some of my fondest memories live in his backyard. There was a homemade swing — it was made of metal pipes, weighted down with sandbags — and nearby stood the smaller of two pear trees. My cousin and I would take turns swinging, while my grandpa stood close by, cutting fresh pears for us. He’d hand us each a slice, one at a time. There was no reason to rush the moment. The pears were simple and sweet, eaten outdoors in the warmth of summer, surrounded by quiet care. I think that’s why I still love pears prepared plainly — why poached pears feel so comforting to me. They remind me of being looked after, of time moving gently, and of how something simple can hold so much meaning.

Light Syrup-Poached Pears

Ingredients

• 4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work especially well)

• 3 cups water

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• Optional: 1 small strip of lemon peel or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Peel the pears, then cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the seed cores with a spoon.

2. In a saucepan wide enough to hold the pears in a single layer, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.

3. Add the pears to the syrup, cut side down. The liquid should mostly cover them — add a splash of water if needed.

4. Bring the syrup to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. You want slow bubbles, not a boil.

5. Simmer uncovered, turning the pears once or twice, until they are soft and a knife, or fork, slides in easily with no resistance. Ripe pears 8-12 minutes. Firm pears 20-30 minutes.

6. If using, stir in the vanilla during the last minute of cooking, then remove from heat.

7. Let the pears cool completely in the syrup. As they rest, they soften even more and take on that familiar, canned-pear texture.

8. Chill before serving, or enjoy at room temperature.

Storage tip: Keep the pears submerged in syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They taste even better the next day.

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As you enjoy these soft, syrup-poached pears, allow yourself to settle into the slow, quiet rhythm of winter. Let each tender bite mirror the patience and observation found in Wintering and A Whole Life. These books, like the pears, invite you to notice the subtle details, to pause, and to savor the gentle sweetness that exists in small, unhurried moments. Whether you read for reflection, comfort, or inspiration, pairing your reading with this simple treat is a reminder that sometimes the quietest experiences — a soft fruit, a thoughtful page, a winter afternoon — can leave the most lasting impression.

Enjoy and Happy Reading,

Everlea Journal