Apricot Poached Pears

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Put preserves in a 1-cup measure. Cook, uncovered, at 100 percent power in a high-power oven for 1 minute. Remove from oven.

2. Step 2

   Stir in 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice and the kirsch. Pass mixture through a sieve into a shallow bowl. Set aside.

3. Step 3

   Peel the pears and core them through the bottom. As you work, rub the pears inside and out with the remaining lemon juice to prevent discoloration.

4. Step 4

   Roll each apricot lengthwise and put one in the cavity of each pear. Coat the pears in the apricot mixture.

5. Step 5

   Arrange pears in a circle around the inside rim of a 2¼-quart souffle dish. Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook 7 minutes. Prick plastic to release steam.

6. Step 6

   Remove from oven and uncover. Serve hot or cold. Put each pear on a plate and spoon some of the remaining sauce over.