While living in the south of France, I often saw Poached Pears with Raspberry Coulis on dessert menus of upscale restaurants. It was often the one dessert I was happy to choose because it was vegan. This is a beautiful dish to finish a perfect meal; very fresh and light with just enough sweetness.
8 oz. fresh or frozen raspberries or strawberries
4 organic pears
water
Cook raspberries in a sauce pan over low heat until fruit has broken apart and is syrupy. Mash the berries with the back of a spoon as they soften and cook.
The sauce will be thick like jam. Mix in a little water (a couple of tablespoons at a time) for desired consistency. Set aside to cool. If you would like a smoother sauce, purée in blender.
Core and seeds from the bottom to the middle of each pear. Peal pears if not organic.
Place the pears upright in a small sauce pan and fill with water to reach one quarter the height of the pears, about an inch high. Cook, covered, over medium heat until pears are soft but still keep their shape (about 15 minutes). Pears can also be placed in a microwave for several minutes until soft.
Place two or three tablespoons of the berry coulis on the bottom of each individual dessert plate. Set one pear on top of the coulis. Serve with a small scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream and warmed Chocolate Sauce if desired. Serves 4.