GINGERY PEARS POACHED IN GREEN TEA

**Slow-Cooker Recipe**

4 cups boiling water
2 Tbsp green tea leaves

1 to 2 Tbsp grated gingerroot
1/2 cup liquid honey
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp grated lemon zest
8 firm pears, peeled, cored and cut into quarters lengthwise

Toasted sliced almonds, optional
Vanilla-flavoured yogurt, optional

In a pot, combine boiling water and green tea leaves.  Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.  Strain through a fine sieve into slow cooker stoneware.

Add gingerroot, honey, almond extract and lemon zest and stir well.  Add pears.  Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or on High for 3 hours, until pears are tender.  Transfer to a serving bowl, cover and chill thoroughly.  Serve garnished with toasted almonds and a dollop of yogurt, if using.

(I used lemon juice instead of lemon zest, 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger, and we served it warm with vanilla yogurt.  Mmmm!!
The next time I make this recipe, I will add less honey but this was still a great recipe & not too sweet.)

"The Healthy Slow Cooker" by Judith Finlayson