Practice

Been practicing for the big midterm on Wednesday. One of the items that we must prepare are poached pears.

Poached Pears: Serves 4
2 cups fruity red wine
1 cup apple juice
4 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 pears, peeled, halved lengthwise and cored

1. Bring wine, apple juice, cloves, cinnamon stick and maple syrup to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to a very gentle simmer and add pears, cut-side up. Cut a circle out of a sheet of parchment to fit inside the pan. Cut a hole in the middle, and place on top of the pears. This will help to keep the pears submerged. If the pears are not fully submerged, add additional wine or apple juice (if available). Cover pan and poach gently for 25-30 minutes, or until tender. Remove pears and set aside.
2. Remove cloves and cinnamon stick from the pan. Simmer the remaining liquid uncovered until it has reduced and is a syrupy consistency. Serve over pears.

This one is pretty simple and delicious! Try serving with vanilla ice cream, shortbread or ginger cookies, or creme anglaise. Enjoy! I intend to cook something tomorrow night, so check back for pictures and awesome (gosh, I hope so) recipes.

Only in NY:
Today I saw a woman with a small dog in a baby carrier, the kind parents wear on their chests. To top it off, the dog had on a sweater and matching berret.