Poached Pears with Prunes

• HEALTHY
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 2 quarts water
2. 1 cup sugar
3. 1/2 navel orange, with skin, sliced 1/2 inch thick
4. One 3-inch cinnamon stick
5. 1 bay leaf
6. 1 whole clove
7. 6 large Bartlett pears, with stems, peeled
8. 12 pitted prunes
9. Butter cookies, for serving

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil with the sugar, orange slices, cinnamon stick, bay leaf and clove; stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the pears and prunes and cook over moderate heat, turning the pears often, until the pears are tender, about 25 minutes.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pears and prunes to a shallow serving bowl. Boil the poaching liquid over high heat until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 10 minutes. Strain the syrup over the pears. Serve warm or at room temperature, with the butter cookies alongside.