Spiced Pears with Syrup
When you look at this recipe you might be taken aback by the fact that it calls for peppercorns. Don’t be alarmed… they brighten up the intensely sweet flavor with a little kick and makes this special dessert stand out from other pear dishes.
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
12 peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
3 pears, peeled
In a large saucepan, pour the water and sugar, place over low heat and add the sugar, stirring as you add. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. To the liquid, add the peppercorns, cinnamon stick ,and cloves, and mix.
Now, place the pears in the pan and cover with a piece of parchment paper, then lay a glass plate over the parchment paper to keep the pears submerged.
Cook over low heat 25 to 30 minutes or until the pears are fork tender. Remove the pears and place in a bowl or plate and set aside.
Continue cooking the liquid another 20 to 30 minutes or until it becomes thick like syrup. Pour the syrup through a colander or strainer to remove the whole spices.
Cut the pears in half half lengthwise and remove the seeds and core. Then, slice the pears again in quarters. Serve with the syrup poured over the top of the pears. You may also like a dollop of whipped cream on top.