posted by elinorw 10-31-100 6:28 AM
Scarlet Pears
2 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup Amaretto or other almond liqueur
6 ripe pears, peeled, with stems
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 Tbl. Amaretto
Toasted, blanched, slivered almonds
In a large saucepan, bring cranberries and water to a boil; simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Puree in batches in a blender or food processor. Return to saucepan; stir in sugar and 1/3 cup Amaretto.
Cut a small slice from the bottom of each pear so it can stand upright. Place pears in cranberry mixture; simmer until just tender. Transfer pears to a bowl; set aside.
Bring cranberry syrup to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 10-15 minutes. Pour over pears; refrigerate covered, turning pears occasionally.
To serve, remove pears from syrup. Spoon sauce into dessert dishes or onto dessert plates; top with pears. Whip cream with 1 Tbl. Amaretto; spoon over pears. Garnish with a sprinkling of toasted almonds.