Tree Nut Free Honey Poached Pears with Ginger & Ceylon Cinnamon
Poached pears have a way of feeling quietly luxurious, and this version earns every bit of that reputation. Fragrant honey, bright lemon, warming fresh ginger, and a Ceylon cinnamon stick come together in a poaching liquid that smells absolutely incredible as it simmers — and then gets reduced down into a glossy, spoonable syrup that makes the whole dish sing. A pinch of turmeric adds a subtle golden warmth that's more complex than it sounds. The pears themselves turn silky and tender while still holding their shape, so every slice looks as good as it tastes. This is the kind of dessert that works equally well after a weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of a dinner party spread. Because the ingredient list is built entirely around fruit, honey, spices, and citrus, there's nothing here to stress about for anyone avoiding tree nuts — no hidden almond extracts, no walnut-studded toppings, no ambiguous garnishes. A few fresh mint leaves to finish and you've got something genuinely beautiful on the plate.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 firm-ripe bosc or anjou pears
- 3 cups water
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 ceylon cinnamon stick
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 strips lemon zest (each about 3 inches long), pith removed
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For serving
- fresh mint leaves, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, honey, Ceylon cinnamon stick, ginger slices, lemon zest, lemon juice, and turmeric in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring once or twice, until the honey is fully dissolved and the liquid is fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- 2
Add the pear halves cut-side down in a single layer. The poaching liquid should come at least halfway up the sides of the pears; add a splash more water if needed. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently, uncovered, turning the pears once halfway through, until a paring knife slides into the thickest part with no resistance, 18–22 minutes depending on ripeness.
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