Autumn Fruits With Cinnamon Custard

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If lady apples and seckel pears aren't available, don't worry -- this poached fruit dessert works with any fall fruit. Try pears and quince or a mix of cooking apples.

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Steps

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In a large skillet cook apple cider over low heat just to boiling.

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Carefully add pears , apples , and star anise to the hot liquid.

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Sprinkle sugar over fruit.

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Cook fruit mixture , covered , for 5 minutes or until the fruit is just tender.

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To serve , using a slotted spoon carefully transfer the cooked fruit to individual dessert bowls.

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Discard poaching liquid.

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Drizzle fruit with cinnamon custard.

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Cinnamon custard:.

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In a small , heavy-bottomed saucepan combine 1 beaten egg , 2 / 3 cup milk , and 4 teaspoons sugar.

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Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture just coats the back of a spoon.

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Stir in 1 / 2 teaspoon vanilla and a dash of ground cinnamon.

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Remove custard from heat.

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Place saucepan in a bowl of ice water for approximately 10 minutes to stop cooking process.

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Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 24 hours.

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Bring just to room temperature to serve.

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Ingredients

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apple cider, pears, apples, star anise, sugar, egg, milk, vanilla, ground cinnamon