PERSIAN POACHED PEARS

Persian Poached Pears image

These fragrant pears are a dramatic way to finish off a Middle Eastern feast. They're delicious, aromatic and an unusual twist on basic poached pears. -Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

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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 zest strip
1 whole clove
2 tablespoons chopped almonds, toasted

Steps:

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

Nutrition Facts : Calories 258 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 6mg sodium, Carbohydrate 56g carbohydrate (44g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 3g protein.