I am not sure if I am the only one that noticed but we've been a bit shorted on Summer this year in the Northeast.  Here we are, August 30th, not even labor day yet and I can feel the shift in the air, as though mother nature is whispering to the landscape, prepping it for long winter slumber.  

As I walked through town this past week I picked up on the slight shift in energy.  The leaves are already beginning to fall, coating the ground in spicy hues.  The flowers are wilting leaving only their green leafy stems to spot the landscape and the days are growing shorter.  (Not to mention I had to wear a fleece to walk to the studio this morning!!)

All this taken into account and I feel rather put off by this unexpected early shift in seasons.  So to help me work through it because as Pema Chodron put it, "it's about letting go of the story line and opening to what is," I decided to test out a new fall recipe.  And to be honest this pear came out so good I think I will be making spiced chai poached pears year round!

What You Need

4 Cups filtered water

2-3 Bosc Pears

1/2C Coconut Sugar

2 chai tea bags opened

2 sticks of cinnamon

4 whole cloves

1/2Tbsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp vanilla extract

The Method

First things first peel your pear and core from the bottom keeping it intact.  Set your pear aside.  Take a medium size pot add water, coconut sugar, contents of teabags, cinnamon, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract and place over medium heat.   Mix well while contents come to a boil.  

Once your liquid reaches boiling point add your pears making sure there is enough liquid to completely cover the pears.  Turn heat down to medium low bringing your liquid to a steady simmer and place a loose lid on top, cooking down for 30-40 minutes.  

Make sure to keep a watch on your pears as you do not want them to get to soft.  Once pears have reached the desired consistency use a slotted spoon to remove from liquid and rinse under faucet to remove any cloves and tea residue.  

Option to store your pears for up to 3 days in the fridge before serving or serve warm over toast, oatmeal, granola or anything your heart desires.

Tips:  

1- You can continue to boil your leftover liquid for 15 minutes creating a reduction to pour over your pears for an extra delicious treat.

2- If you prefer your pears sweeter you can add 2-3 tbsp of maple syrup to your cooking liquid.

3- I like to make a batch in advance so I have them for the week.  Especially for the upcoming Fall season.

4- Note if you do not have coconut sugar on hand you can sub out for Maple Syrup.  

5- Note if you do not have pumpkin pie spice on hand sub out for 1/2tsp Ginger, 1/2tsp Nutmeg, 1/4tsp All Spice