Yes, these elegant pears are perfect for company. But why should company have all the fun? They’re easy enough to make midweek, too. Have the leftovers for breakfast or as a snack.

4 Bosc pears
3 cups unsweetened vitamin C-fortified apple juice
1 cup white grape juice concentrate
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 piece (1-inch) fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
2 small wedges aged cheddar cheese (1 to 1 ½ ounces each)

  1. Peel the pears, then arrange them, stem end up in a deep saucepan just big enough to hold them tightly in place. Add the apple juice, grape juice concentrate, vanilla, ginger and just enough water to cover the pears.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and let the poaching liquid come to a boil. Reduce the heat, partially cover the pan, and let the pears simmer until soft but not mushy, about 20 minutes.
  3. Let the pears come to room temperature in the poaching liquid, then remove them and set aside.
  4. Place the saucepan over high heat, let the poaching liquid come to a boil and continue boiling until reduced by half, 10 minutes.
  5. To serve, place the pears on serving plates and drizzle some of the poaching liquid over them. Serve a wedge of cheddar cheese alongside each pear.

Serves 4

Nutrition Info:
1 portion provides:

Calcium: 1 serving
Vitamin C: 2 servings
Other fruits and vegetables: 2 servings