Pressure-Cooker Tequila Poached Pears

Name: Pressure-Cooker Tequila Poached Pears
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 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 zest; 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches); 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 8 whole Anjou pears, peeled; Sweetened whipped cream, optional; Fresh mint leaves

Tequila may seem an unusual ingredient, but give it a try! The fresh pears and mint make the dessert deliciously refreshing. Bring out this creative sweet when you want to impress dinner guests. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Ingredients

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 zest
1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 whole Anjou pears, peeled
Sweetened whipped cream, optional
Fresh mint leaves

Directions

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.

Nutrition Facts

1 pear with 2 tablespoons sauce: 155 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 6g fiber), 1g protein.