Bring out this creative sweet when you want to impress dinner guests. The deliciously refreshing fresh pears and mint get a distinctive new twist with the addition of tequila.
—NANCY HEISHMAN LAS VEGAS, NV
PREP: 20 MIN. • COOK: 4 HOURS • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS
2 cups water
1 can (11.3 ounces) pear nectar
1 cup tequila
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons grated lime peel
1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 whole Anjou pears, peeled
Sweetened whipped cream
Fresh mint leaves
1. In a large saucepan, combine the first eight ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Place pears in a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker; add liquid. Cook, covered, on low until pears are tender, 4-5 hours. Remove cinnamon stick and discard. Pour 3 cups of the cooking liquid in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook, uncovered, until liquid is reduced to 1 cup, about 20 minutes.
3. Halve pears lengthwise and core them. Serve with sauce, whipped cream and mint leaves.