Mulled Pear Cranberry Punch Food

MULLED CRANBERRY PUNCH

Steps:

• Put the rum, cranberry juice, cider, maple syrup, honey, clove and star anise into a large saucepot over medium heat. Cook until a slow simmer is just reached and the honey/maple syrup is dissolved.
• Ladle the punch into heatproof glasses or mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks.

MULLED WINE POACHED PEARS WITH TOASTED ALMONDS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan set over medium-high heat, add the wine, 5 ounces of the honey, the cloves, chiles, cinnamon, star anise and vanilla seeds, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the pears. Submerge the pears fully by placing a plate small enough to fit in the pan, over the pears. Cook until tender, 20 to 22 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Refrigerate the pears in the cooking liquid until cool, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, combine the remaining 5 tablespoons honey, the cream cheese and lemon zest in a bowl, and beat with an electric hand mixer until smooth.
• Place 1 ounce of the cream cheese mixture on each plate, then top each with 2 pieces of pear, and sprinkle almonds over the top to serve.