Pears: Poached

Poaching pears has many benefits. It softens rock-hard fruit. It cooks them gently enough that they won’t fall apart (unless they are already soft). It lightly preserves them, so if you find yourself with a big bushel, poaching can give you some time to enjoy all the fruit. It is a good way to batch cook for the week. Poached pears can be sweet or savory. The poaching liquid makes a delicious homemade soda when blended with soda water or a lovely holiday punch when spiked with bourbon.