Fresh ginger and fragrant cinnamon infuse this chilled pear soup. Serve it in large shot glasses. Guests may add a splash of vodka if they like.

Makes 12 servings, about 1/3 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 25 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 4 3/4 hours (including chilling time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

4 ripe Anjou pears, peeled and quartered
1 cup apple cider
1 cup dry white wine
1-2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger or ginger juice (see Note)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 4-inch cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons honey

1. Stir pears, cider, wine, ginger (or ginger juice) to taste, lemon juice, cinnamon stick and salt in a large saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat, and gently simmer until the pears are very tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Discard the cinnamon stick. Pour the soup into a large blender or food processor; add honey. Blend or process until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Pour into a large bowl, cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours. Pour into small glasses to serve.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 67 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrate; 0 g protein; 2 g fiber; 50 mg sodium; 85 mg potassium.
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 fruit

TIP: Note: We use bottled ginger juice (pressed gingerroot) to add the taste of fresh ginger without the work of mincing or grating. Use it to flavor drinks, stir-fries, marinades or anywhere you’d use fresh ginger. Find it in specialty stores or online at gingerpeople.com.