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Poached Pears in Cinnamon-Spice Sauce

These poached pears are especially luscious with their Pacific Rim accent. Locally grown, in-season, organic pears are far superior for this slow-cooked dessert than store-bought fruit shipped from far away.

Cooks' Note

Suggested Beverage: Try a Zinfandel port with this.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

3 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
2 allspice berries
One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
1 2/3 cup sugar
4 very firm pears, sliced in half lengthwise and seeded

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Add the water, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and sugar to the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour.

    Step 2

    Remove and discard the spices and ginger. Place the pear halves in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, until the pears are just tender when pierced with a fork. Turn carefully once or twice during the cooking to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

    Step 3

    To serve, place the pears on a serving platter or individual plates and spoon the poaching liquid over the top. Serve piping hot or chilled.

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