Cinnamon-Thyme Poached Pears use thyme's minty-green flavor to accent the subtle sweetness of the maple, cinnamon and lemon zest sauce.
INGREDIENTS (for 4 servings):
- 4 large ripe firm pears (Bosc, Bartlett, D'Anjou)
- 1 cup pear nectar
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 sticks McCormick® Gourmet Collection® Stick Cinnamon, slightly crushed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection® Thyme Leaves
- 4 strips lemon peel
PREPARATION:
Peel and core pears* from the bottom, leaving stems intact. Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each pear to provide a flat, even bottom. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, add remaining ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil. Add pears and arrange standing with stems pointing up. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 20-30 minutes or until pears are tender.
Remove pears from saucepan. Continue to cook liquid until reduced to 3/4 cup, about 15 minutes. Serve pears drizzled with sauce.
*Tip:Use a melon baller to core pears; push the smaller end of melon baller into the bottom of the pear, and turn it to bore a hole and scoop out the seeds and fibrous core. This will leave the stem intact.