For her 13th birthday, Bella Sophia was surprised with a cruise on the Norwegian Cruise Line Bliss. Once you have experienced The Haven you will be forever hooked. We have traveled the world. The care and service given via the Haven made every moment feel like well deserved luxury.
The Haven desserts were amazing. During our 10-day cruise the poach pear called to me. Each and every evening I enjoyed a cappuccino with a ginger and honey poached pear. This simple desert celebrates the fall season. Want to travel in style, use a private limo and reach the Haven in bliss, we use LA limo, and LOVED the private car and pampered service.
As a matter of fact, it is now my ‘go to’ for family get-togethers and Thanksgiving dessert.
On the very last day of our NCL vacation I was notified of the passing of my adoring dad, Archie. My dad was a positive and guiding influence in our family. Papa Archie LOVED Thanksgiving. I know he would be so happy that Eric, Sophia and I are following our dreams, traveling, having adventures and loving every moment of life. He would also be thrilled that of all the recipes offered on The Bliss, that I choose a Thanksgiving seasonal favorite. Thanksgiving was my dad’s favorite holiday.
Here’s to a healthy and productive autumn season. Cherish each day, be thankful for daily blessings and most of all enjoy this simply delightful poached pear recipe.
XOXO from the majestic Pacific Coast at Huckleberry Hill, Maxine (A.K.A. “Molly”)
-NCL (Haven) Ginger, Honey and Poached Pear-
Yield: 10 servings
Gather:
10 fresh pears
20 cups or 5 quarts water
2 cups granulated sugar
Fresh ginger root, peeled and cut into 5 pieces (each piece about 2 inches long)
2 cinnamon sticks
2 cups local or good quality honey plus 4 TBS. honey
Good quality ginger snap cookies (I like Walkers brand. Any favorite store bought ginger cookie will work well.) 1 bag or box
Vanilla bean ice cream
Good quality jar caramel sauce, 1 jar
Step One: Use firm pears (the varieties of Bartlett, Anjou or or Bosc work well for poaching). Peel 10 pears. Core pear from the bottom. Set aside.
Step Two: Poach Pears. In a heavy sauce pan over medium high heat combine: water, sugar, fresh ginger slices, cinnamon sticks and honey. Bring to a boil. Add pears to liquid. Decrease to simmer and poach for about 20 minutes. Check for tenderness, do not let the pears fall apart. Once tender remove from liquid and place, stem up in refrigerator.
Step 3: In a bowl combine caramel sauce with 4 TBS. honey. Drizzle over the top of the pear upon serving.
Assemble: Place a ginger cookie at the bottom of a bowl or plate. Place poached pear on top of cookie. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with caramel/honey sauce. Garnish with crumbled ginger cookies.
-Enjoy-
We celebrated Bella Sophia’s 13th birthday with the Haven experience. Wonderful memories with exceptional experiences. The caring and positive NCL staff goes over and beyond to make every guests vacation experience exceptional.
