Ice-Cream and Giggles

The traditional poached pear is a pear simmered in a sugar syrup. I personally think pears are sweet enough, but poaching is a good way to infuse the pear in various flavours, and to take your breakfast up a notch or two.

Cooking: 25 minutes.

Serves 1.

For the poached pear:

You will need:

1 pear
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
3 tbsp natvia sugar free baking sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Method:

1. Bring the water, orange juice, sugar and cinnamon to boil in a small saucepan. Then turn down to medium/low heat, put in the pear and let simmer for around 20-25 minutes, turning the pear over occasionally.

For the breakfast oats:

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp maple syrup (optional), or add a banana to sweeten.

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients and let soak. I like to let mine soak overnight.
2. If desired, warm up oats in a microwave or saucepan, and top with pear and other berries.

Chocolate and pear is seriously one of the greatest combinations. One of my favorite desserts is chocolate pear pudding, so scrumptious, rich, moist and decadent. Which is what inspired this sorbet, because chocolate and pear is really a match made in heaven. And guess what? This recipe is healthy, combining only three ingredients, and ridiculously easy! It is simply filtered water, pear and cacao powder.

Approx. 10 minute prep, 30 minute freezing time.
Makes 4 large scoops, serves 1-2 people.

You will need:

2 cups of chopped and frozen pears. You can peel them beforehand if you want: it really is your call, though studies have shown the skins of pears have more nutrients and antioxidants than in the flesh of the actual pear.
1/4 cup filtered water or coconut water
1 to 2 tbsp cacao powder

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, scrape down sides as necessary. It is best to start with one tablespoon of cacao, as adding too much can make a bitter taste, so do the cacao gradually!
2. Place in freezer for 30 minutes or until hard, and serve!

Here is another easy two-ingredient recipe. I used frozen pears, which I peeled and cut up myself. I am surprised there isn't more pear sorbets out there: it is one of those fruits that are made for sorbets, as they create the best texture, like raspberry and mango. You can add cinnamon or ginger if you wish to spice up this basic recipe (literally! excuse the pun :P).
You will need:

2 cups of frozen pears (3-4 pears; to make it easier peel and cut up the night before, put in a zip lock bag and place in freezer).
1/4 cup or more of coconut water.

1. Combine ingredients in a food processor. If it won't combine, add a dash more coconut water.
2. Done! Serve immediately or place in the freezer to harden up.