Simple and elegant, poached pears make for a luscious sweet ending for any occasion, quiet to bustling. Coupled with a delicious herbal tea syrup, results are nothing short of sublime!

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We’re closing out September and entering— peak pear season! Boutiful, cheerful apples well deserve their fall fanfare, but let’s be sure to give the lovely, gentle pear its due. Sweet, subtle, and beautifully textured, pears are a fantastic complement to apples, offering a velvety counterpoint in baking. But, they do deserve a moment in the sun on their own. And by sun, I mean bathed in an exquisite syrup of tea.

Strong brewed tea —any tea, really—provides an aromatic and flavorful poaching liquid that reduces to a smooth finishing glaze. Organic India is my favorite brand, most varieties being crafted with a base of none other than Queen of Herbs Tulsi (Holy Basil) and other robust adaptogenic herbs. A whole host of varities would pair beautifully with this rustic yet refined dessert—try Lemon Ginger, Tulsi Masala Chai, or something with floral notes, like Cinnamon Rose or Hibiscus.

Whatever tea flavor you choose, the fragrant infusion will surely enhance this simple, naturally stunning dish while letting the pear's flavor shine through. In a month bursting at the seams with promises of candy, this lovely, light alternative to refined sugar-packed sweets and heavier fall desserts is a perfect palate cleanser and a true treat.

Pear Power

Pears don’t get top PR priority, but they are nevertheless a powerhouse of nutrition. Rich in dietary fiber, pears also contain beneficial antioxidants and vitamins. By poaching them gently in the light tea syrup, you can avoid saturating with excess sugar, keeping the dish fairly virtuous. I tend to go lighter with sugars, even unrefined ones, than a standard simple syrup. The resulting sauce may be on the thin side, but it still adds flavor to an elegant dessert delicious warm or chilled.

I know I’m a broken record lately when I say the heaviness in the world is, well, feeling too heavy. It’s a tricky balance staying engaged and informed while clearing the clutter from our physical, mental, and emotional spaces. We’ve got tools in our toolboxes to do so—and maybe the simplest is to lean into simplicity. Pare back. Pear back—get it? Eye roll, I know, and I’m with you. In any case, maybe this simple pear sweet treat can be part of a larger shift in mindset when we need it to be. And even when we don’t, it’s still pure autumn loveliness, equally suited to entertaining or the intimacy of a quiet evening. Enjoy!

Use code HAPPYAPPLE for 15% off Organic India USA!

Poached Pears in Tea Syrup

Yield: 4

Author: Wendy McMillan

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 40 MinInactive time: 20 MinTotal time: 1 H & 5 M

Simple and elegant, poached pears make for a luscious sweet ending for any occasion, quiet to bustling. Coupled with a delicious herbal tea syrup, results are nothing short of sublime!

Ingredients

4 ripe yet firm Bosc or Bartlett pears
4 cups strong brewed herbal tea of choice (I like Organic India’s Cinnamon Hibiscus, Lemon Ginger, or Tulsi Masala Chai)
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup coconut or monk fruit sugar
1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half

Instructions

Peel the pears and cut them in half from top to bottom, leaving the stems intact. (See note for leaving whole.) Core each pear half by melon baller or spoon.
Add the water, maple syrup, and sugar to a 4-quart pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then add the ginger and cinnamon stick.
Place the pears into the liquid and turn the heat down to a simmer. Place parchment paper over the top of the pears to prevent them from floating. Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pears can be just pierced with a fork.
Transfer the pears and the poaching liquid to a smaller container and cover until serving. Continue simmering the poaching liquid until reduced to a syrupy consistency, approximately 30 minutes. Serve over pears. (You can also serve the pears immediately with a ladle of poaching liquid, or chill and serve cold.)

Notes

If desired, leave peeled pears whole. Just be sure to monitor and turn as needed to ensure they're cooked to tender.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

191

Fat

0 g

Sat. Fat

0 g

Carbs

56 g

Fiber

6 g

Net carbs

40 g

Sugar

33 g

Protein

1 g

Sodium

9 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

Simple Elegance: Poached Pears in Tea Syrup