Vanilla Scented Poached Pears with Gorgonzola Cheese and Toasted Pine Nuts
Scrumptious, easy-to-make dessert is rich in aromatic flavors of vanilla and allspice, and helps lower cholesterol.
October 4, 2009 and November 29, 2009
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 186 per serving
Percent from Fat: 24%
Cusine: American, Vegetarian
Course: Sides
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Food as MedicineSM Ingredient: Pears
Food as MedicineSM Tip
Pears are a great source of antioxidants that help your cholesterol–especially the pear peel*-- and maintain your gut's regularity.Culinary Taste Tip
Stirring in some vanilla extract, or poaching a vanilla bean for just a minute will give the dish a light, warm scent.Culinary Technique Tip
It's not necessary to peel the pears. Many of the vitamins are just beneath the skin, and leaving the skin on helps keep the pear from becoming mushy.Ingredients
2 large ripe but firm Bosc pears2 cups sweet wine such as Riesling or gewurztraminer
2 cups water
2 teaspoons whole allspice berries or 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
Preparation
Peel pears if desired; cut lengthwise in half. (If you like, leave the stems attached to two of the halves for pretty appearance.) Use a melon baler or grapefruit spoon to scoop out the seeds. Bring wine, water and allspice to a boil over high heat in a large saucepan or Dutch oven just large enough to arrange pear halves in one layer. Add pear halves. Reduce heat so as to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer pears uncovered, turning over each 5 minutes with a large spoon until pears are almost tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, 15 to 20 minutes.Use a slotted spoon to transfer pears to a shallow bowl; cover tightly with foil to keep warm. Turn heat to high; boil juices in a saucepan until reduced to 1/3 cup, 16 to 18 minutes. Stir in vanilla. Transfer pears to serving dishes. Drizzle syrup over pears; top with cheese and pine nuts.
Nutritional Analysis
Total fat (g): 5.28 - Fat calories (kc): 47.56 - Cholesterol (mg): 6.25 - Trans fatty acids (g): 0.0 - Saturated fat (g): 1.78 - Polyunsaturated fat (g): 1.26 - Monounsaturated fat (g): 1.35 - Fiber (g): 7.25 - Carbohydrates (g): 26.44 - Sugar (g): 13.78 - Protein (g): 2.63 - Sodium (mg): 127.68 - Calcium (mg) 51.77.Click here to receive new ChefMD® recipes via e-mail.
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