Steamed Asian pears with honey

Asian pears are filled with honey and Chinese dates and gently steamed in this recipe. Asian pears are unavailable may instead Bartlett pears be used. Chinese red dates are also known as BER (strictly speaking, you are no date at all). Their sweet taste makes a popular ingredient in Chinese dessert soups and Congees and steamed food. If not available, can be used to the regular dates or raisins instead. You can omit naturally you altogether and just steam pears with honey.

 

Wash the pears and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the top off the pears and set-aside (these are the lid). Remove the core. If desired, cut you small slice down so the bulb is just as steaming from. (Note: depending on type of steaming equipment you use that you may find it difficult to stand pears and cover for dampen.) (In this case the pears slice lengthwise, to place core, and spoonful of honey and date in a hollow in the middle.)

Spoon 2 tablespoons of honey in each bulb. 1 Chinese added. Place the upper back on the bulb. Brush the lemon juice over the skin of the bulb, if using.

A steamer set up, or place a rack for steam inside a deep pot. Place the pears are covered on a plate and steam, for 30 minutes or until pears tender. Serve warm.