Rum Poached Pears (Easy & Vegan)

These rum poached pears are an easy, elegant holiday dessert featuring seasonal flavors. You'll want to make this lightened-up vegan treat all season long!

Ingredients

  • 2 firm, crisp pears
  • 0.5 c spiced rum
  • 0.5 c apple cider
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Pinch of flavorful, flaky sea salt
  • Garnishes and toppings of choice

Instructions

  1. Cut the pears parallel to the stem to yield two symmetrical halves.
  2. From the cut side, remove the core and seeds using a melon baller. From the non-cut side, cut a small slice off the back so that the pears will sit flat without rolling.
  3. Place the pears in a small (10’’) skillet. Add the rum, cider, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
  4. Cook the pears for 5-10 minutes at a low simmer, then flip them over and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Continue poaching the pears until they are tender and until the liquid has reduced to create a thick, flavorful rum sauce.
  5. If the liquid reduces before the pears are fully cooked, add a splash of additional apple cider (or water) to prevent it from burning. Conversely, if the pears are done before the sauce has sufficiently thickened, remove the pears and keep cooking down the sauce. The cooking times will vary based on the ripeness of the pears.
  6. Transfer the poached pears to a serving dish, cut-side facing upward. Pour the remaining rum sauce over the pears.
  7. Garnish the pears with cranberries and pecans or other holiday ingredients. If desired, serve with ice cream.