Pear with rock sugar–two ways (冰糖雪梨)

Method10 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Choose one version; each makes two servings. For the boiled version, follow steps 1–5 and skip steps 6–10. Wash the two pears, all 1 tbsp goji berries and the 6–8 dried Chinese dates. Check the dates for pits and remove any pits before eating.

   Uses 2 Asian pears, for the boiled version only · 1 tbsp dried goji berries, for the boiled version only · 6–8 dried Chinese dates, for the boiled version only · Water for washing the boiled-version pears, dates and berries

2. 2

   Step 2: For the boiled version, remove and discard the pear cores, then cut the flesh into slices of your preferred size.

   Uses The two washed pears

3. 3

   Step 3: Put all the sliced pears, washed goji berries and dates, 1½ tbsp rock sugar and 1½ cups measured water in a saucepan.

   Uses All the cored pear slices · All the washed 1 tbsp goji berries and 6–8 dates · 1½ tbsp rock sugar, for the boiled version only · 1½ cups water, for the boiled version only

4. 4

   Step 4: Heat the saucepan over high heat until the water reaches a full boil, then reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer.

   Uses The complete saucepan mixture

5. 5

   Step 5: Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, checking from 15 minutes, until the pear slices are soft and translucent. Serve the pears, dates, goji berries and sweet cooking liquid as two portions. Remove any date pits before eating. Enjoy warm, or refrigerate promptly and finish chilling in the refrigerator for a cold dessert. This completes the boiled version; skip the steamed-version steps.

   Check simmered pears · 15 minUses The complete simmering saucepan mixture

6. 6

   Step 6: For the steamed version only, follow steps 6–10 instead of steps 1–5. Wash the two pears and all 1 tbsp goji berries. Have two small heatproof bowls and a steamer ready; the steamer water must stay below the bowls.

   Uses 2 Asian pears, for the steamed version only · 1 tbsp dried goji berries, divided, for the steamed version only · Water for washing the steamed-version pears and berries

7. 7

   Step 7: Cut a lid from the top of each washed pear, about one-fifth to one-quarter of its height. Keep each lid with its pear.

   Uses The two washed pears

8. 8

   Step 8: Use a teaspoon to scoop out and discard the cores. Divide all 1½ tbsp rock sugar and half the washed goji berries, ½ tbsp, between the two cavities. Keep the pear lids and the remaining washed berries ready.

   Uses The two pears and their retained lids · 1½ tbsp rock sugar, for the steamed version only · Half the washed goji berries, ½ tbsp

9. 9

   Step 9: Replace each pear lid, securing it with toothpicks if needed. Stand each filled pear upright in its own small heatproof bowl.

   Uses The two filled pears and their retained lids

10. 10

    Step 10: Scatter the remaining ½ tbsp washed goji berries around the pears in the bowls. Supply the steamer with water below the bowls and bring it to a boil. Add the bowls, cover and steam over medium heat for about 40 minutes, starting the timer once steady steam resumes. Keep water in the steamer and continue if needed until the pears are soft and translucent. Remove all securing toothpicks before serving. Serve one filled pear with its released syrup per person. Enjoy warm, or refrigerate promptly and finish chilling in the refrigerator for a cold dessert.

    Steam filled pears · 40 minUses Both assembled pear bowls · The remaining half of the washed berries, ½ tbsp · Steamer water below the bowls; replenish if needed