Sugar-Free Poached Pears
Fall is one of my favorite seasons- the colors, the light, the crisp air, and the produce. I love fall produce. All of it, that is, except pears. I just don’t enjoy eating pears that much. In salads they are ok. But eating a whole pear on its own is just not my thing. Poached pears, on the other hand, may be one of my favorite desserts of all time. It is sweet and delicate and when paired with something creamy you get the perfect balance!
I’ve always made my poached pears with wine, spices, and sugar, which is great for a festive occasion, but I wanted to create something that would include ingredients I had around the house and less sugar. And I did it! This recipe is sweetened entirely with the natural sugars of the pears and the juice. So it is not only decadent and delicious, but it’s healthy, too!
This recipe is so simple that it can be made as a healthy weeknight treat, but so delicious you could use it to impress friends or family at a dinner party or holiday gathering!
Sugar-Free Poached Pears
Ingredients
- 4 Bosc or Bartlett pears
- 2 cups grape juice
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Optional toppings:
- Plain yogurt
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the juices, vanilla, and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil.
- While the juice is coming to a boil, peel the pears and cut them in half. Carefully cut out the seeds and stem.
- When the juice is boiling, turn the heat down to low and add the pears and cover.
- Simmer the pears in the juice for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Serve with your topping of choice.
These pears are the perfect healthy dessert! Just like natures candy!
Yes! If only we could hand them out on Halloween… 🙂