Apple Cider Poached Pears

Apple Cider Poached Pears

• • 4-5 cups apple cider

  • Juice of 1 orange

  • 5 whole cloves

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 4 whole firm pears

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • Nutmeg for grating

In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, orange juice, cloves, cinnamon stick, brown sugar and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium low heat.

Peel the pears, leaving the stems attached. Gently lower the pears into the simmering liquid. Add more cider, if needed, so the pears are submerged. Cover and simmer gently for 3-4 hours until the pears are tender, but not mushy. When the pears are done, remove from the liquid with a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry; add to the saucepan. Bring the cider mixture to a boil over medium heat and boil, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the butter.

Place the pears on serving dishes and pour the warm syrup over each. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and serve with ice cream.

Yields 4 servings.

Recipe from Curly Girl Kitchen