Honey-Poached Pears with Dried Cranberries

This lovely recipe uses honey to draw out the mellow sweetness of pears.

Ingredients:
6 firm but ripe pears, peeled, cored and halved
1 cup honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Pinch fine sea salt
½ cup dried cranberries

Method:
1. Combine 2½ cups water, honey, lemon juice, and sea salt in large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Add pears; reduce heat and simmer until tender, turning occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes, depending on ripeness. Using slotted spoon, transfer pears to medium bowl. Boil liquid until reduced to 1 cup syrup, about 22 minutes. Pour syrup over pears. Cover and chill until cold, about 2 hours.

3. Divide pears and syrup among 6 bowls. Top each with a sprinkling of dried cranberries and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of slightly sweetened crème fraîche and a shortbread cookie, if desired.