Three Way Poached Pears

Ingredients

Poached Pears
4 firm-ripe fresh California Bartlett pears
2 cups water
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 4-inch cinnamon stick, optional
2 whole cloves, optional

Orange Sauce OR Strawberry Sauce
1/2 cup orange, marmalade OR strawberry preserves
orange peel curls OR strawberries, optional garnish

Chocolate Sauce
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp sugar
1/3 cup low-fat chocolate milk
1 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Pare fresh California Bartlett pears using a potato peeler. Place pears in a 1-1/2 quart microwave-safe bowl with water, lemon juice and spices. Cover with plastic wrap, venting one corner. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, turn bowl and microwave 3 minutes more on HIGH or until tender. (Always check cooking time because microwave temperatures vary.) Chill or serve warm.

Prepare orange or strawberry sauce in a microwave-save measuring cup on LOW. Microwave 1/2 cup of orange marmalade or strawberry preserves for 20 seconds or until warm. Spoon 2 tablespoons of warmed marmalade OR preserves over each poached pear, and garnish.

To prepare chocolate sauce: combine cocoa, sugar and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Stir in orange juice and vanilla. Heat for 1 minute more. To serve, spoon 2 tablespoons over poached pears.

Makes 4 servings