Poached Fruit Recipe

1 cup apple juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
3 whole allspice berries (optional)
1/2 teaspoon anise seed
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 pears, cored and peeled
1 cup blueberries

1. Place all ingredients except the pears and blueberries into a large pot and simmer, uncovered for about 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a sieve to remove whole spices; return liquid to pan. Slice each pear into 12 slices. Add pears and blueberries to pan, bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes, or until fruit is tender.
2. When done, remove from heat, add blueberries and let cool. Refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving. Serves 4 to 6.
Note: Use pears, apples, peaches, apricots or plums in place of the pears if desired. To core the pears, peel them and slice in half vertically. Use a melon baller to scoop out the hard core. Then slice into 12 slices.

Recipe by Margaret Fox, "Morning Food," March 11, 2007