For Poached Pears
- 4–6 firm pears
- unsweetened apple juice or apple cider – enough to cover the pears, 4 – 6 cups
- 1 cup blackberries (frozen give more color to the pears)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 5 cardamom pods
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
For Poached Pear Dessert
- vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- fresh blackberries, sliced top to bottom
For Poached Pear Salad
- mixed greens
- sliced or chopped Poached Pears
- pistachio nuts
- fresh blackberries, sliced top to bottom
- crumbled goat cheese
- baked crispy prosciutto (see note)
- diced avocado
- Apple Cider Vinaigrette (storebought or see homemade recipe below)
For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of kosher salt and coarse black pepper to taste