Ginger Honey Baked Pears
Ginger Honey Baked Pears
In Chinese Medicine philosophy the functions of our bodies are intertwined with the environment and climates in which we live. Autumn is the season of the Metal element, a time associated with dryness and the organs of the Lung/Large Intestine. It is a time of harvest and abundance.
This recipe that follow is one of my all time favorites especially in Autumn. It is a great recipe to help soothe a dry throat, dry cough, bronchitis, asthma, upset stomach or nausea and it tastes delicious.This recipe is traditionally used to help moisten the Lungs in cases of dryness.
Pears are cool and sweet, they enter into the meridians of the Stomach and Lungs.Pears can help to cool and moisten the Lungs/ Large Intestine- indicated for dry coughs and dry bowels leading to constipation. They also provide high amounts of vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, magnesium and B6.
In the language of TCM- honey is neutral in temperature sweet in flavor, known to aid digestion, moisten dryness, calm coughing and ease constipation. It is also a known antiseptic and has antibacterial properties.
Ginger is a top-notch spice and medicinal ally. It is known across the globe to help digestion, nausea, upset stomaches, and motion sickness. This herb is pungent in flavor and warm in nature. It is great for wind-cold symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting, morning sickness, or suppressed appetite. It is also great to help stop coughing, a perfect and tasty addition to this recipe!
Ingredients:
2 medium sized pears
2 Tablespoons Honey
2 teaspoons grated ginger
3 Tablespoons water
Optional ingredients: cinnamon, cloves, anise, nutmeg, vanilla, citrus peel, raisins.
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut off the top 1/3 of the pear and put aside. Cut out the core of the bottom part of the pear. making a hole but leaving the bottom and outside intact. Place the pears and their tops on a glass or ceramic dish.
3. In a small bowl- combine the honey, ginger, and water, and any of the optional ingredients of your choice (heat this mixture to help dissolve the honey if needed.)
4. Place the ginger mixture inside the pears and replace the top on each pear, restoring its original shape. Brush the sauce on the outside of the pear as well. Save 2 teaspoons of the sauce for later.
5. Bake the pears for 10-12 minutes, until they have begun to soften.
6. Take the pears out of the oven for a moment and drizzle with the remaining sauce, and return to the oven and broil on high for 3-5 minuyes, until the glaze has cartelized.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!