Often under-rated, the humble pear is a super flexible seasonal addition to both sweet and savoury dishes over the autumn and winter months. This simple recipe for poached pears brings you an indulgent treat without the guilt! Enjoy... 

6 ingredients | 25 minutes | 4 servings

Ingredients

4 Pears (peeled, cored and quartered)
500 ml Water
1 Cinnamon Stick
1 tbsp Vanilla Extract (Slice in half and scrape
the seeds fom inside)
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
100 grams Coconut Sugar

Directions

1. Place all the ingredients except the pears in a stainless steel saucepan, do not turn on the heat. 

2. Peel the pears and add them to the pan once they are peeled. Then place them onto the heat and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook the pears carefully for around 15-18 minutes.

3. To check if the pears are cooked, take a small kitchen knife and push it into the middle of the fruit. If the pears feel soft, they are cooked.

4. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and allow the pears to cool in the sugar syrup.

5. The pears can be served hot or cold. You can drizzle some of the poaching juice over to serve, or opt for ice cream, custard, or just as they are!

Hints & Tips

Extra Flavour - Add a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, peppercorns, lemon slices, vanilla bean, star anise and/or fresh ginger slices to the water.

Serve It With - Oatmeal, granola, pecans, walnuts, maple syrup, coconut ice cream or yogurt.

Leftovers - Store in a covered container in the fridge up to 3 days.