Poached Pears

From the kitchen of a friend

6 small fresh pears
2 cups pineapple juice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
Grated, unsweetened chocolate (optional, garnish)

Peel pears, leaving stems intact. In a large saucepan, stir together pineapple juice and nutmeg. Arrange pears in pineapple juice. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until tender (approx 30 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Drain pears and reserve sauce. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Over medium heat, bring sauce to a boil and add cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly; boil 1 minute.

Arrange pears in individual serving dishes and pour juice over pears.

Cover and refrigerate until well chilled. Just before serving, garnish with chocolate.

Makes 6 servings.

Sautéed Apples

From the kitchen of a friend

1 tbsp oil
3 large red apples, cored and thinly sliced
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup apple juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add apples and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Sprinkle with sugar, apple juice and cinnamon.

Cook 2-3 minutes longer, or until syrupy and apples are tender, stirring occasionally.

Note: this is a nice topping for any meal – from breakfast to dinner and of course, desserts!