Tea Poached Pears

Veganomicon delivers again, with this incredibly simple and delicious recipe, securing its spot as my favorite cookbook ever…as if there was ever any doubt. This is an especially good dessert after a big meal – healthy and light with a nice citrus kick.

Tea Poached Pears in Chocolate Sauce

Recipe from Veganomicon (buy the cookbook here on Amazon)

Ingredients:

3 cups water

4 tea bags black tea (Earl Grey or English Breakfast is best)

1/4 cup sugar

4 firm Bosc pears, peeled, sliced in half lengthwise, and cored

Zest from 1/2 orange (optional)

1 tsp vanilla extract

About 1/2 cup chopped bitter or semi-sweet chocolate  (if cooking for vegans, be sure to read ingredients!)

Directions:

Boil the water in a medium-size saucepan. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat. Then add the tea bags and sugar. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Remove the tea bags and stir to make sure the sugar is dissolved.

Bring the tea to a boil again and add the pears, orange zest, and vanilla. Turn down the heat and cover. Be sure to remove the orange zest after a few minutes or else it will get bitter. Let simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the pears are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Transfer the pears and liquid to a large bowl to cool. Remove a scant cup of liquid from the bowl and place it back in the pot. Bring to a simmer again, then turn off the heat and add the chocolate. Whisk until completely melted and dissolved.

Let the sauce and the pears cool (it tastes really good at room temperature). Ladle a good amount of the chocolate sauce (about 1/2 cup) into a small dessert bowl. Place the pears on top and serve with good vanilla ice cream.

Learn to make your own vegan ice cream at this amazing blog, aptly named A Vegan Ice Cream Paradise.