Monday, February 25, 2008

Spiced Cranberry Poached Pears



Ingredients: (serves 6)
6 cups cranberry juice
3 cups sugar
2 cinnamon sticks, broken
1 vanilla bean, split
1 tsp ground star anise
6 firm, ripe pears

Directions:
Place cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean and star anise in a large, shallow saucepan. Stir over a low heat until sugar dissolves. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Peel pears and remove core from base with a teaspoon. Place in poaching liquid. Cover with a circle of non-stick baking paper - this helps to keep the pears submerged - and then sauce pan lid. Reduce heat to low and cook for 40-60 minutes, turning occasionally, until pears are tender.
Transfer pears to serving plates with a slotted spoon. Spoon over some of the syrup and serve with cream, if desired.

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