BAKED PEARS WITH LEMON SAUCE

FOR THE LEMON SAUCE:
2 tsp cornstarch
3/4 cup skim milk, divided use
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 tsp grated lemon rind
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp honey, divided use
FOR THE PEARS:
4 pears (medium-sized), peeled
3 Tbsp water
2 whole cloves

TO PREPARE THE LEMON SAUCE:
Combine cornstarch and 1/4-cup milk in a small saucepan, stirring until blended. Add remaining 1/2-cup milk and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened.

Reduce heat and stir lemon rind, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon honey until well blended. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or until thoroughly chilled. Remove cinnamon stick before serving.

TO PREPARE THE PEARS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut pears in half lengthwise and remove cores. Arrange pears, cut side up, in a glass baking dish.

Combine water, the remaining 1 tablespoon honey and cloves and pour over pears.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Serve warm pears with 1/4-cup chilled lemon sauce.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Produce for Better Health/Carol Withers