Fall for Fall Fruits

By Janis Jibrin, M.S., R.D.

When you think of fruit, fall probably isn't the first season that comes to mind, but you'd be surprised by how many flavorful choices you have: Apples, pears, citrus, and grapes are all at their peak right now. And there are so many great ways to use these fruits, like this delicious recipe from Best Life chef Sidra Forman.

Poached Fall Fruit: Grapes, Apples and Pears with Cinnamon, Cardamom and Anise
Makes 4 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
6 cardamom pods, crushed with the back of a spoon
1 apple, quartered and cored
1 pear, quartered and cored
1 cup, seedless red grapes (can use 2 cups depending on your calories)
1/4 cup sugar

DIRECTIONS
1. Combine 3 cups water with spices in a medium pot over medium-high heat. (If star anise and cardamom are not available you can substitute 4 cloves or a large pinch of powdered nutmeg.)

2. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add fruit and sugar, return mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes (for firmer fruit, reduce to 5 minutes). The fruit should be just covered by the liquid; if necessary add an additional 1/2 cup water.

3. Serve hot, room temperature or cold with about a 1/4 cup of the poaching liquid poured over each serving.