Cranberry Poached Pears

Everywhere is so christmasy now! My family do not celebrate Christmas but I do enjoy the Christmas spirit and feasting. ^0^ So delighted to spot some fresh cranberry at the supermarket, relatively cheap and therefore I've grabbed a few packets. This lovely sweet cranberry poached pears which is alcohol free so that kids can enjoy this dessert too! Very christmasy looking dessert right? A simple and elegant dessert to awe your guest if you are clueless of what to make for your Christmas party. :D 

What you need for making this jewelled cranberry poached pears : 150gm fresh cranberries, 1/8 cup dried cranberries, 1 vanilla pod, 1 small cinnamon stick, 1 fruity tea bag, 1 large orange peel, 1 large lemon peel, 2 tsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp fine sugar ....

 .....and of course the main ingredient fresh pears!! I'm using Belgium conference pear here. 

Peel the pear and slightly shaved off the bottom so that it can stand upright. Place the pears into a pot. Fill in water just enough to submerge all the pears. Slice the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrap out the seeds. Throw the pods and seeds into the pot. Add in cinnamon, peels, honey and sugar. Bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 10 mins till pears are tender.  

 Add in fresh cranberries and continue to simmer for another 2 mins. Turn off fire.

Transfer the pears and cranberries syrup into a container. Add in tea bag and dried cranberries. Cool down and chill in fridge overnight. As cranberry has high pectin, the syrup will further thickens as it cool down!

Serve the chilled poached pear with cranberry syrup and of course a dollop of vanilla ice cream! 

Recipe ref : marthastewart.com