Chai Poached Pears

By downtoearthgourmet • September 12, 2011 • 2 Comments

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Author Notes: It was inspired by the spice markets of the middle east. I always found poaching fruit to be warmly therapeutic, especially in the autumn months. The fruit tree by my home ties the comfort into a special dessert I make every year. Do enjoy. - downtoearthgourmet

Makes 8 desserts

1 quart water
5 chai tea bags, homemade or purchased
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1 cinnamon stick
1 piece fresh ginger, peeled
4 whole pears, peeled, stems intact
3 tablespoons honey
star anise, cinnamon sticks, blackberries, crystallized ginger

Bring water, tea, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger to a simmer in a tall and narrow saucepot.
Add pears, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let steep off heat for 30 minutes.
Remove pears from poaching liquid and set aside. Boil chai liquid with honey until reduced to syrup.
Serve pears garnished with cinnamon sticks, crystallized ginger, blackberries and a drizzle of chai syrup.
Enjoy!