Poached Pears in Saffron-Honey Elixir

Aromatic and effortlessly elegant, these Poached Pears with Honey and Saffron are gently simmered in a fragrant infusion of rose water, cardamom, and citrus. A light yet luxurious dessert that captures the warmth of tradition and the beauty of simple ingredients, perfect for an intimate dinner or a special celebration.

Ingredients:

2 ripe firm pears
1.5 cups water
¼ cup honey
3 cardamom pods, lightly pounded
A generous pinch of saffron
1 star anise
2 tbsp rose water
Pinch of salt
Peels of 1 orange

To Serve:

Greek Vanilla Yogurt
Pecans

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Instructions:

In a heavy-based saucepan, combine the water, honey, cardamom, star anise, saffron, rose water, orange peels and salt. Bring to a simmer over low heat.
Peel the pears and place them in the hot syrup. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 20 minutes, turning and basting the pears gently every 5 minutes or so.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the poached pears from the syrup and set them aside.
Continue to cook the syrup until it reduces by half.

To Serve: Slice each pear in half/serve them whole. If slicing the pear, spoon out the core and place in a serving dish. Dollop some greek yogurt and place the pear on top of it finishing with a generous pour of the reduced honey syrup over each half. Garnish with some thyme leaves and saffron.