Spiced Poached Pears with Cardamon Cream

In season, poached pears are a favorite breakfast side dish for my family.  It takes just a few moment to quarter and seed the pears then set them in a gentle, slow simmer.  On the stove top, they steep in their own sweetness with just a kiss of honey or maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg, while we get ready for work or school–and the scent is killer.

Though there are winter varieties of pears, many of the commercial crops are heavy and sweet and soften very quickly making them difficult to store over the winter–and once pears start to soften you need to use them quickly. Poaching will also bring brightness to dull flavored pears. Poach extra pears and let them brood in the fridge in their own syrup.  Pull them back out and gently reheat to serve with granola or a spiced cake.

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20-30 gloriously fragrant minutes

Ingredients

For the pears

• 4 medium pears quartered and seeded (peeled, if desired)

• 3-4 cups water give or take, I make sure the pears are covered

• 2 Tbsp honey

• 1 medium cinnamon stick

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• handful chopped nuts

Cardamon Cream

• 1/2 cup cream nut cream or dairy cream, your choice, and both are delightful

• 1 tsp cardamon fresh grated is best

• 1 tsp maple syrup

Instructions

1. Quarter and seed the pears. Cut out any bruised or damaged parts of the fruit. I leave the peel on my fruit unless it's not organic.

2. In medium size pan, bring water to boil then reduce heat to low. Add in pear, cinnamon stick, nutmeg and drizzle with a little maple syrup, if desired. Either use a piece of parchment paper cut to fit the pan or use a lid that slightly off set to allow the liquid to reduce.

3. Don't let the word scare you. For the best flavor, simmer the pears gently for 20-30 minutes allowing the liquid to reduce down and make a simple syrup. Serve the pears on their own or with a little cream and fresh nuts.

For the cardamon cream - thoroughly whisk maple syrup and cardamon into the cream. That's it...it's just a schlag (sweetened cream). Enjoy!

Healing energetics: Pears nourish Lung Yin and help relieve the dryness that often crops up in Autumn.  The cream is also Yin nourishing and the nuts provide protein and warmth.  All of the spices in this recipe are warming pungents that nourish the core, aid digestion and drain dampness.

Primary season: Autumn