Vanilla-Poached Pears

Poaching fruit is a great way to infuse flavor without adding fat. Ripe pears stew in vanilla and cinnamon until tender and are then paired with tangy crème frâiche. A drizzle of agave nectar adds a final touch of sweetness to this simple fruit dessert that’s both light on calories and light on your wallet.

View the NBC5 segment featuring this recipe.

Shopping List

• 4 ripe pears, peeled and cored
• 4 cups water
• 3 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons light agave nectar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
• ½ cup Splenda or sugar substitute
• 4 Tablespoons crème frâiche

Recipe

Makes 4 servings.

Combine the water, vanilla extract, agave nectar, cinnamon stick, lemon zest and Splenda in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil.

Cut a thin slice from the bottom of the peeled, cored pears (this will help them stand) and then place them in the saucepan.

Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until pears are tender.

Remove the poached pears and let them cool before.

Serving each pear with 1 Tablespoon of crème frâiche and drizzle of agave nectar.