Green Tea-Poached Asian Pears with Pistachio Cream Sauce

Desserts.
This refreshing dessert, a year-round treat, I edged with a rumor of mint for a touch of luxury. Its complex taste belies its simple method of preparation. Look for fruit that is unbruised with a taut skin. 

Green Tea-Poached Asian Pears with Pistachio Cream Sauce

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredients
4 Asian pears
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups freshly brewed green team such as Dragonwell
1 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root peeled and sliced into thin coins
peel of half an average-sized lemon
1 large sprig fresh mint
Pistachio Cream Sauce
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt, well drained
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp pure maple syrup
1 cup shelled, skinned, coarsely chopped natural pistachio nuts

Directions

1. Chill 4 goblets. Peel the pears and core with a corer or a small paring knife, being sure to remove the tart center area of each. Place the sugar, green tea, ginger root, lemon peel and mint in a medium-size saucepan large enough to hold the 4 pears in a single layer. 2. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to just under a boil, or until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the peeled and cored pears. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. The pears will remain firm. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate, covered. Meanwhile, make the Pistachio Cream Sauce. 3. Pistachio Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, buttermilk and maple syrup. Add the nuts and store mixture in refrigerator until your guests are ready to eat. 4. Assembly: Remove pears from poaching liquid, drain well, and place 1 each in 4 chilled goblets. Mask with the sauce and serve immediately, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired. 

Source: Cooking with Tea by Robert Wemischner and Diana Rosen, Periplus Editions, 2000.