Steamed Pears with a Surprise {Cooking Club}

So for dessert we will continue with the Chinese theme. We had steamed pears with dates in the middle and it was so delicious! I was surprised how good it was. The addition of honey adds just a hint of sweetness that is perfect. The date in the middle is a perfect addition. We also had homemade fortune cookies that I will post later this week. We weren't able to have actual Chinese pears or Chinese dates so we used regular ones that tasted just perfect. 

 

Steamed Pears with Surprise

adapted from about.com

Ingredients:
2 Asian pears (any pear is fine)
4 teaspoons honey, plus more for sauce
2 dried Chinese dates, softened in cold water, slitted, and the pits removed (any date is fine)
lemon juice to brush on the pears to prevent discoloration, optional
yogurt

Directions:

Wash the pears and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the top off the pears and set aside (these will become the lid). Remove the core. If desired, cut off a small slice at the bottom so that the pear will stand straight during steaming.

Spoon 2 teaspoons honey into each pear. Add 1 date. Place the top back on the pear. Brush the lemon juice over the skin of the pear if using.

Set up a steamer, or place a rack for steaming inside a deep pot. Place the pears on a plate and steam, covered, for 30 minutes, or until the pears are tender. 

In a small bowl combine yogurt and extra honey. Place in the bottom of a bowl and place pear on top of yogurt/honey mixture.

Serve warm.