Just because the holidays are a time for indulgence doesn’t mean we have to enjoy the desserts and end-of-year classics with the ingredients they are normally prepared with. I’ve been wanting to poach pears this winter but was hesitant after realizing how much sugar it takes to make that delicious syrup they are served with.
When I was challenged by California Raisins to prepare a holiday dessert with minimal sugar, I jumped at the opportunity to create those poached pears I’ve been craving. With just 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup or California Raisins, I had more than enough sweetness to make a new family favorite winter dessert.
California Raisins are the perfect natural sweetener. The nutrition label tells a great story: Zero fat, no cholesterol and no added sugar. Plus, raisins offer 9% of your daily fiber and potassium, and 6% of your daily iron (per quarter cup serving).
If your New Year’s resolution is to cut any added sugar, this is a great guilt-free transitional recipe to start off the year with. Raisins can be added as a substitution to practically any recipe that calls for a burst of sugar. Enjoy them in drinks, desserts, family meals or by themselves as a convenient snack.
Poached Pears in Raisins and Spiced Tea with Dulce de Leche
Serves 2-4
Ingredients
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups water
2 spiced tea bags
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
2 pears, peeled, halved and core removed with a mellon baller or spoon
1/2 cup California Raisins
1/4 cup pistachios, salted and roasted
1-2 tablespoons dulce de leche (optional)
Method
In a 3-quart stock pot, combine sugar, water and tea bags. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.
Add cinnamon, pear halves and raisins. Decrease heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 12 minutes.
Discard tea bags. Serve garnished with pistachios and a drizzle of dulce de leche.
For more information about all-natural, no-sugar added California raisins and for recipe inspiration, please visit www.loveyourraisins.com, or get social at www.facebook.com/californiaraisins.
This is a sponsored post by California Raisins. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.
