Slow Cooker Tequila Poached Pears Food

SLOW-COOKER TEQUILA POACHED PEARS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the first 8 ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly., Place pears in a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker; add liquid. Cook, covered, on low until tender, 4-5 hours. Remove cinnamon stick and discard. Pour 3 cups cooking liquid in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook, uncovered, until liquid is reduced to 1 cup, about 20 minutes. , Halve pears lengthwise and core them. Serve with sauce, whipped cream if desired, and mint leaves.

SLOW-COOKED GINGERED PEARS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the ginger, brown sugar, pecans and lemon zest. Using a melon baller or long-handled spoon, core pears to within 1/4 in. of bottom. Spoon ginger mixture into the center of each. , Place pears upright in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Top each with butter. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until tender. Serve with ice cream and caramel topping if desired.

BUTTERSCOTCH PEARS

Steps:

• Cut pears in half lengthwise; remove cores. Brush pears with lemon juice. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, flour, cinnamon and salt; stir in pecans. Spoon into pears; place in a 4-qt. slow cooker., Combine pear nectar and honey; drizzle over pears. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until pears are tender. Serve warm.

PRESSURE-COOKER TEQUILA POACHED PEARS

Steps:

• Select saute setting on a 6-qt. pressure cooker and adjust for low heat. Add the first 8 ingredients; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Press cancel. Add pears. Lock lid; close pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 3 minutes. Quick-release pressure. Remove pears and keep warm. , Reserve 3 cups cooking juices; discard remaining juices and cinnamon stick. Return reserved juices to pressure cooker. Select saute setting and adjust for medium heat. Simmer, uncovered, until liquid is reduced to 1 cup, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally., Halve pears lengthwise and core. Serve with sauce, whipped cream if desired, and mint leaves.

SLOW COOKER SPICED POACHED PEARS

Steps:

• In a 3-qt. slow cooker, mix wine, brown sugar, cherries, cinnamon, star anise and, if desired, peppercorn until blended. Peel and cut pears lengthwise in half. Remove cores, leaving a small well in the center of each. Arrange pears in wine mixture., Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours or until pears are almost tender. Discard star anise and peppercorn., Place chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; stir with a whisk until smooth., To serve, remove pears to dessert dishes; drizzle with some of the poaching liquid. Spoon ganache into wells of pears. Top with pine nuts and blackberries. If desired, serve with whipped cream.