This perfect holiday dessert will be sure to please everyone. Simple enough for the most inexperienced baker, but certain to impress your friends. Spices and natural sweeteners give this dish a comfort food feel, but are less processed and have a lower glycemic index. And, it is vegan-gluten free & dairy free.

Mulled Wine Poached Pears

Ingredients:

• Red wine 1 – 750ml bottle (whatever is on hand)
• ¾  cup orange juice
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise, whole
• 12 cloves, whole
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or one vanilla bean pod)
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup pure grade A maple syrup
• 6 whole pears (preferably local)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients except for pears in a large sauce pot and stir together.
2. Peel pears and cut in half lengthwise. Using a tomato corer or small spoon gently remove core.
3. Place pears in pot. They should be fully submerged in poaching liquid. If necessary use a plate to keep pears from rising.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer for approximately 40 minutes.
5. *Time will vary depending on the size of your pears! Be sure to check them with a fork. They should be tender, but not mushy.
6. Remove from heat and chill pears for at least one hour.
7. (Extra liquid can be reduced and made into a great sauce)

Coconut Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cans coconut milk, chilled at least 24 hours
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Open chilled coconut milk. Scrap off coconut cream and save water for another use. Cream should be firm enough to scoop out with a spoon.
2. In a stand mixer place firm coconut cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using whisk attachment whip on high for approximately 2 mins until aerated. Be careful… over mixing will turn coconut whip into liquid!

Enjoy!