Ingredients

• 3 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
• Some apple juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Several whole cloves
• 1 cup raisins
• Pinch sea salt
• 1 tbsp Mitoku Organic Mirin
• 1 tbsp Mitoku Organic Kuzu
• Some chopped, toasted walnuts, for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method

1. Arrange pears in a single layer on the bottom of a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Pour in a mixture of 3 parts apple juice and 1 part water to almost cover the pears. Add the spices, raisins, and salt and simmer, covered, until pears are tender.
3. Remove pears with a slotted spoon and set aside. Remove the cinnamon and cloves from the liquid, return it to the pan, and cook down to 1 cup. Add mirin.
4. Thoroughly dissolve kuzu in 1 tbsp cold water and add to cider while stirring briskly. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until kuzu thickens and becomes translucent. Simmer 1 minute more.
5. Immediately serve pears in small bowls with sauce ladled over the top and, if served, a sprinkle of toasted, chopped walnuts.

Recipe by John & Jan Belleme