The holidays bring an abundance of joy through family gatherings, gift exchanges and traditional foods. Whether you are celebrating the spirit of Christmas or simply enjoying an evening at home with your family; take a moment to practice gratitude – which research suggests boosts well-being. Lastly, be mindful of any guests that may be living with a condition controlled by diet such as diabetes and Celiac disease. Consider healthier dessert options such as cheese and fruit, poached pears, baked apples or brown rice pudding so that everyone can partake in the festivity of the holiday! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Green Tea Poached Pears
Green tea, delicately flavored with ginger and almond, makes a delightful poaching medium for pears.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons green tea leaves, preferable sencha
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoon chopped crystallized ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 firm, ripe Anjou or Bosc pears, peeled, halved and cored
- 1 Tablespoon sliced almonds, toasted
Directions:
- Bring water to a boil in a shallow pan or deep skillet. Stir in tea, turn off heat and let steep, covered, for 5 minutes. Pour through a cheesecloth-lined sieve to remove leaves; return tea to the pan.
- Add sugar, ginger and almond extract and bring just to a boil. Add pears, cut side up, and poach over low heat until quite tender when pierced with a wooden skewer. Transfer to a bowl and let the pears cool in the poaching liquid.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled. Use a slotted spoon to place two pear halves in each dessert dish. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the poaching liquid over the pears. Garnish with almonds.
Carbohydrate exchanges: 2 fruit, 1 fat
Tips: To toast almonds: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add nuts and cook, stirring constantly, until the nuts are lightly browned and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.