Healthy Spiced Poached Pears

Pears are at their peak in autumn. They are sweet and juicy, and a great choice for a filling alternative to sugar-sweetened desserts. In fact, they’re so sweet that many food manufacturers use pear juice as a sweetener in their products. Pears are high in fiber as well.

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Pears are wonderful on their own, or you can add them to salads and goat cheese pizza. Another option is to serve them for dessert. This recipe for spiced poached pears has the best that fall has to offer: a sweet dessert and an aroma that can fill your home as the pears poach. At the same time, there is none of the added sugar or refined grains that you would get from pear pie, sweetened dried pears, or even typical poached pears. 

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This recipe works best with firmer varieties of pears like Bosc or Anjou. They soften nicely as they simmer in the spiced water. Add a cinnamon stick, cloves, and vanilla extract to accentuate seasonal flavors, and lemon zest cuts through the sweetness to brighten the finished product.

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Serve on their own or with 2 tablespoons of whipped topping, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or ½ ounce of sharp cheese. 

Recipe for Spiced Poached Pears

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 firm pears (like Bosc or Anjou), peeled, stems left on
• 4 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• (Optional) 1 star anise
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the water, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise (if using), vanilla extract, and citrus zest. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the peeled pears to the simmering liquid, being careful not to splash. Reduce the heat to low to keep the water at a gentle simmer. 
3. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Remove the pears from the water. Let cool before serving.

Nutrition information per serving: 110 kcal; 0 g total fat; 0 g saturated fat; 10 mg sodium; 0 mg cholesterol; 24 g total carbohydrates; 5 g dietary fiber; 16 g sugar; 1 g protein.

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