Poached Peaches or Pears
Serves 4-8 depending on whether you have one or two!
Here is a simple, light and satisfying dessert for any season. Choose very firm varieties of pears or peaches. Just leave out any spice missing from your pantry - it will turn out delicious anyway.
8 large firm peaches or pears
150 ml apple juice
200 ml water
1 t vanilla
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
1/2 tsp dried ginger
1 T honey
125 g chopped dates
Simmer all the ingredients except the fruit, stirring now and again, until the ingredients blend and the dates start to dissolve.
Peel the pears or peaches carefully. If using pears and you want to serve them upright, cut a little slice off the bottom (and they look nicer with the stem on too).
Pop the fruit into the syrup and put the heat on low. Gently cook until the fruit is tender. (If using pears keep them upright and baste regularly with the syrup to ensure an even colour).
These are wonderful on their own, or serve with thick Greek yoghurt, whipped cream or vegan cashew lemon cream.
