Spiced poached pears
Spiced poached pears are dessert at its most graceful and low-effort. Firm pears are gently simmered in water with honey or maple, cinnamon, and a few warm spices until they turn tender, glossy, and lightly perfumed. They keep their shape but become soft enough to cut with a spoon, soaking up all the flavor of the spiced syrup as they cook.
Ingredients
Instructions
Poaching liquid: In a pot wide enough to fit the fruit in one layer, combine water, honey/maple, cinnamon, and citrus peel/spices if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Poach fruit: Add pear/apple halves, cut-side down if possible. Simmer gently 15–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until just tender when pierced with a knife (time depends on fruit and ripeness).
Serve: Serve warm or at room temp with a little of the reduced poaching liquid spooned over.
Notes
Serve the pears warm or at room temperature with a little of spiced cooking liquid spooned over the top, maybe with a dollop of yogurt or cream if you like. They taste like autumn in the gentlest possible way.
The result is a dessert that feels elegant but comforting, sweet without being heavy, pretty without any fancy decorating. It fits right into a harvest inspired menu, where fruit and simple preparations would have been the norm. Ah! You can also go all the way for a gourmet presentation.
If you prefer, use orange zest instead of lemon zest.
Variations
Add a small piece of fresh ginger. Alternatively, poach the pears with vanilla.
This recipe also works with apples.
Source
Food in U.S.A.