Recipe: Thyme and Cinnamon Poached Pears

THYME AND CINNAMON POACHED PEARS

"Thyme and cinnamon are an unexpected antioxidant pair in this elegant dessert, where thyme's minty-green flavor accents the sweetness of maple, cinnamon and lemon peel."

4 ripe firm pears, such as Bosc, Bartlett or D'Anjou
1 cup pear nectar
1 cup water
3/4 cup maple syrup
2 cinnamon sticks, slightly crushed
1 1/2 tsp. thyme leaves
4 strips lemon peel

Peel and core pears from the bottom; leave stems intact. Cut a thin slice off bottom of each pear to provide a flat, even bottom. Set aside.

Mix remaining ingredients in large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Place pears in liquid in saucepan, standing pears with stems pointing up. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, 20 to 30 minutes or until pears are tender.

Remove pears from saucepan and set aside. Cook liquid 15 minutes longer or until reduced to about 3/4 cup.

Serve pears drizzled with sauce.

Makes 4 servings
Source: McCormick