Persian Poached Pears

Name: Persian Poached Pears
Ingredients: 2 medium firm pears; 1 vanilla bean; 2-1/4 cups water; 1/2 cup white grape juice; 2 dried apricots, chopped; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 lemon peel strip; 1 whole clove; 2 tablespoons chopped almonds, toasted

10 ingredients

4 steps

Ingredients

2 medium firm pears
1 vanilla bean
2-1/4 cups water
1/2 cup white grape juice
2 dried apricots, chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 lemon peel strip
1 whole clove
2 tablespoons chopped almonds, toasted

Directions

1

Core pears from the bottom, leaving stems intact. Peel pears; cut 1/4 in. from the bottom of each to level if necessary. Split vanilla bean and scrape seeds; set aside.
2

In a small saucepan, combine the water, grape juice, apricots, sugar, honey, lemon strip, clove, vanilla bean and seeds. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; place pears on their sides in saucepan and poach, uncovered, for 18-22 minutes or until pears are almost tender, basting occasionally with poaching liquid.
3

Remove pears and apricots with a slotted spoon; cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate. Bring poaching liquid to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup. Discard the vanilla bean, lemon strip and clove. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4

Place pears on dessert plates. Drizzle with poaching liquid. Sprinkle with apricots and almonds.