Sage Infused Cranberry Poached Pears

Poached pears have long been a quiet star of French dessert tables, gently simmered until tender and fragrant. Here, firm pears steep in a cranberry-sage bath brightened with orange and cinnamon for a jewel-toned finish.

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 35 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 245 cal
• 1g protein
• 62g carbs
• 8g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 4 firm ripe pears
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 10 fresh sage leaves
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch pinch of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sweet potato puree for optional base

Instructions

1. 1Peel the pears, halve them lengthwise, and use a melon baller or small spoon to carefully core each half, leaving the stem end intact for a pretty presentation.
2. 2In a wide saucepan large enough to hold the pear halves in a single layer, combine the water, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon stick, sage leaves, and salt.
3. 3Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the sage begins to perfume the kitchen.
4. 4Add the fresh cranberries and simmer for 5 minutes until some berries start to pop and the liquid turns a deep ruby color.
5. 5Gently lower the pear halves into the poaching liquid cut-side down. Cover the pan partially and maintain a bare simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, turning the pears once halfway through.
6. 6The pears are done when a knife slides in with almost no resistance but the fruit still holds its shape. Remove the pears with a slotted spoon and set them on a plate.
7. 7Raise the heat and reduce the poaching liquid with the cranberries for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes a glossy, spoon-coating syrup. Stir in the vanilla.
8. 8If using the optional sweet potato puree, warm it gently and spoon a thin base onto each serving plate for autumn color and subtle sweetness.
9. 9Nestle two pear halves on each plate, spoon the warm cranberry-sage syrup generously over the top, and serve immediately while still fragrant.