Slow cooker poached pears

Ingredients

Serves 3-4

  • 6- 8 small pears, peeled but with the stalks on
  • 300ml (10 fl oz) non-alcoholic mulled punch or red grape juice
  • 200ml (7 fl oz) water
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 1/3 tsp of ground cinnamon OR ½ cinnamon stick
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Step by step

  1. Place the pears in the slow cooker with the punch / grape juice and water. Cook for 3-4 hours on LOW, turn the pears about halfway through to get an even colour and test with a sharp knife to check when they are soft / cooked.
  2. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and ripeness of the pears. It will also be quicker if you heat the punch / grape juice / water before you add to the slow cooker.
  3. If you want a more concentrated sauce, pour it into a saucepan and gently boil on the hob until the volume has reduced.
  4. Serve with natural yoghurt.