Pears are a wonderfully versatile fall fruit that lend themselves nicely to a variety of accompanying sauces. They are delicious drizzled with chocolate or caramel, or you can opt for the citrus and spice flavors of this light dessert. It makes the perfect complement for heartier, cool weather menus.
Ingredients ~
4 slightly under ripe Bartlett pears, peeled, halved and cored
1-1/2 cups orange juice
1 cup water
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Mint leaves for garnish
Preparation ~
Combine orange juice, water, brown sugar and honey in a large sauce pan. Stir well to mix and bring to a simmer. Add the vanilla extract, nutmeg, ginger and lemon juice.
Add the pears and simmer for about 30 minutes, turning frequently to be sure they cook through evenly. Remove them from the pan and cover to keep warm.
Let the remaining liquid cook until it thickens into a syrup. Cut pears into lengthwise slices and arrange on individual dessert plates. Drizzle with the syrup and garnish with mint leaves. Makes 4 servings.
Recipe Notes ~
Finding pears at just the right stage of ripeness is not always easy. Pears are usually sent to market a couple of days away from being ready to eat because once ripe, they bruise very easily. Plan ahead and buy the pears for this dish about two days in advance. You can always refrigerate them if they reach the right stage before you are ready to use them.
Posted by: Lynne Webb
Categories:
Baking and Desserts ,
Pies ~ Other Desserts
Poached pears are amazing! I had some at a French restaurant once, and they were poached in red wine. Would love to branch out and try these too!
Posted by: Hillary on October 7, 2008 (1)
You'll love them ~ they have such a velvety texture.
Posted by: Lynne Webb on October 7, 2008 (2)
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