This week, we have two recipes because we found these AMAZING Seckel Pears at our local farmers’ market. They are commonly known as sugar pears. I have to say this again, thank you Lile for always hooking it up! Sugar pears, as I have mentioned in my Ginger Spiced Sugar Pear Cake, are petite in nature but have the sweetest flavor profile amongst all North American pears. One of the best and simplest ways to enjoy pears is to poach them. This week, we will make these delicious Paleo Poached Ruby Pears.
Why do I call it Poached Ruby Pears? Because of the color of the pears after it is poached. Since a lot of alcohol is fermented with grains, we will stick with tequila. I will also use different fruits and fruit juices to create that deep ruby color. In all honesty, you can poach these pears with whatever you want, but here is my version.
Paleo Poached Ruby Pears:
4-5 – Sugar Pears (Peeled but Stem intact)
2 Cups – Cranberry/Pomegranate Juice
½ Cup – Red Beet Juice (Optional)
¼ Cup – Honey¹
½ Cup – Tequila (Anejo)
3 – Black Plums (Pitted and Diced)
1 inch – Fresh Ginger (Sliced)
Lemon Zest – Half a Lemon
4-5 – Juniper Berries
2-3 – Whole Cloves
1 Tsp – Ground Vietnamese Cinnamon
½ Tsp – Ground Cardamom
Note¹: If you allow sugar in your diet, you can sub with ¼ Cup Raw Sugar
To make these Ruby Pears are as simple as one, two, three. First, peel the pears and cut a small portion of the bottom so it can sit upright. I used a vegetable peeler and it was extremely easy in comparison to a knife. Next, in a sauce pan, combine all ingredients except for the pears and bring it to a boil. Once it starts bubbling reduce the heat down to a simmer. Simmer the liquid until all the plums are soft and mushy. Once the liquid is ready, gently submerge the pears in the liquid and let it simmer for 15 minutes turning them every so often. After it simmers for 15 minutes, remove it from the heat and position the pears upright.
The Paleo Poached Ruby Pears are now done. Allow the pear to sit in the liquid until it completely cools. Once cooled, remove the pear from the poaching syrup and refrigerate them a few hours to overnight. If you want, strain the poaching syrup. It really makes for a nice addition to any desert or it goes great on the Paleo Sourdough. There you have it, my Paleo Poached Ruby Pears and until next time, eat up my friends!
