cider-poached pears

this is an awesome alternative to the typical sugar-filled desserts we're all used to! just as sweet, these poached pears are good for you, too!

cider-poached pears

 

ingredients:

1 cup apple cider/juice

1/4 cup dry red or white wine

1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice

1/2 tsp lemon zest

3 tbs lemon juice

1/4 cup honey

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp ground cloves

4 pears, peeled and stem left intact

 

directions:

1. add all ingredients except pears into saucepan and bring to boil.

2. reduce to medium heat and add pears.

3. cover and let pears simmer in liquid for 15-20 minutes, spooning the liquid over the pears every few minutes.

4. remove pears and set aside to cool.

5. return liquid to medium-high heat, and reduce to a glaze, about 10-12 minutes.

6. drizzle glaze on pears and serve.

  

tips:

- i used bosc pears, but other recipes i've seen have used bartlett.

- choose firm pears. too ripe of pears may end up soggy.

- best if used fresh squeezed apple juice or cider. from concentrate not recommended. i used simply apple.

enjoy!