Poached Pears with Cinnamon and Walnuts

Ingredients

• 2 pears
• 2 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Start by preparing the pears. Peel them, leaving the stems intact. Cut a small slice off the bottom of each pear to create a flat base, so they can stand upright.

2. 2

   In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to dissolve the sugar.

3. 3

   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the prepared pears. Ensure the pears are mostly submerged in the liquid.

4. 4

   Cover the saucepan and let the pears poach for 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are tender but still hold their shape. You can test their doneness by inserting a fork.

5. 5

   Once the pears are done, carefully remove them from the saucepan and set them aside to cool slightly. Keep the poaching liquid on the stove.

6. 6

   Increase the heat to medium-high and let the poaching liquid reduce for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg.

7. 7

   While the poaching liquid is reducing, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned.

8. 8

   To serve, place each poached pear upright on a plate, drizzle with the reduced poaching liquid, and sprinkle toasted walnuts on top.

9. 9

   Enjoy your elegant poached pears with cinnamon and walnuts as a sophisticated dessert!