1. Can you freeze unused court bouillion?

2. Would this recipe work for fruit, or would a different set of aromatics be better? (I'm thinking of trying to poach a pear at the moment....)

Here is a recipe for poached pears if you like.

As for freezing leftover court bouillon, I am not sure that I would freeze any leftovers as most of flavor will be extracted from the mirepoix the first time around.

Likely the same thing for a sweet court bouillon (which it sounds like you are making). The one thing I guess I would suggest, is to try freezing any leftovers and see if you get the same flavor from it the second time.

Good luck!

Can the remaining liquid be used for a soup stock after poaching chicken? Hate to discard it.

Indeed, a court bouillon can be used after food has been poached. This is especially common after poaching fish or shellfish. Additional aromatics and herbs can be added to the court bouillon to give it even more flavor. After simmering and reducing it slightly, it can be strained and used as a light sauce or broth to accompany the dish. Dishes served this way are referred to as "á la nage", which means "swimming" in French. Basically, as long as it tastes good, you can definitely use it in other parts of your cooking. Cheers!

Can you suggest any alternatives to white wine? Would dry martini work instead?

Generally a dry white vermouth can be used instead of white wine but I am not sure exactly what you are planning on using it for so it's hard to say exactly.

For more information on this, you may want to type in "wine" or "wine substitution" in the search field and then have a look through the forum discussion as there are quite a few threads on this subject.

You may also find it helpful to watch the Pan Sauces lesson. Again, depending on what purpose you are using it for. Cheers!

I'm about to poach salmon in basic court boullion.