Pomegranate Poached Pears

Looking for ways to use ripe pears? This is an easy, yet elegant and healthful, dessert. It’s especially good for light summer meals.

Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 4 small ripe Anjou pears
• 2 c strong Red Zinger tea or hibiscus tea
• 1 Tbsp pomegranate molasses (or 1/4 c pomegranate juice)
• 1/4 c honey
• mint leaves

Directions:

1. Peel the pears, leaving them whole with stems.
2. Mix the tea, pomegranate juice, and honey in a small saucepan.
3. Add the pears and heat to the boil, turn to low, and simmer 30 minutes uncovered, turning the pears frequently.
4. Remove the pears to serving bowls and simmer the cooking liquid another 5 minutes, or until just starting to thicken.
5. Cool the syrup until warm or room temperature and spoon over the pears.
6. Add mint leaves as a garnish.