Poached Pears with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Here’s a surprisingly easy dessert that happens to be low in added sugars , and makes a healthy dessert,

(serves 4)

• 4 ripe pears (use a firm variety like Bosc)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) unsweetened apple juice
• ½ cup (140 ml) red wine
• 3 cinnamon sticks

Spiced Chocolate Sauce

• 2 oz (48 g) dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice mix

Poach the pears: Peel the pears then cut them in half lengthwise, then remove their cores. Place them cut side down in a saute pan. Pour in the apple juice, wine, and cinnamon sticks.

Place the pan on medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a simmer. Cover and let cook for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through but firm – poke them with a fork to test.

Flip the pears over and cook another 1-2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pears from the pan and onto serving plates.

Place the chocolate and spices in a microwave-safe bowl and place in a microwave. Heat until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted. Drizzle over the pears to serve.