Honey and Spice Pears

Serves 4; 2 pear halves and 1 heaping tablespoon sauce per serving

1 cup cranberry juice or light cranberry juice cocktail (or try pomegranate juice)
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground allspice
4 small firm pears (about 6 oz each), peeled, halved and cored
2 TBS sweetened dried cherries or sweetened dried cranberries
1TBS plus 1 ½ tsp honey

In a large nonstick skillet, stir together the cranberry juice, cinnamon and allspice. Add the pears and cherries. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, covered for 5 minutes or until the pears are just tender crisp. Transfer the pears with the cut side down to a serving plate. Leave the liquid in the skillet.

Cook the liquid for 2 ½-3 minutes or until reduced to a scant ¼ cup, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in honey. Spoon over the pears. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes. Thurn the pears several times to coat with the sauce, or transfer the pears to plates and top with the sauce.

For an added treat, serve with a dollop of fat free whipped topping.

Nutrients per serving: (whipped topping not included)
Calories: 126
Total fat: 0.5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 2 mg
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Total sugars: 28 g
Protein: 2 g

Recipe from American Heart Association “Love Your Heart”