The delicate color and subtle flavor will please you. Serve as an appetizer course or for dessert.

Makes 4 servings.

3 c. unsweetened apricot juice
1/2 c. orange juice
3 strips (1 x 1/4-inch) orange zest (rind)
3 thin slices unpeeled lemon
6 thin slices fresh ginger root
4 med. pears

1. In 3 quart saucepan or slow cookpot, combine juices, orange zest, lemon slices and ginger. Bring to boil over medium heat.

2. Peel pears. Place in boiling juice. Return to boil.

3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until pears are just tender.

4. With a slotted spoon, lift pears out of juice and place in a covered container.

5. Boil juice, uncovered, over high heat, stirring often, until it is reduced to 1 cup.

6. Pour over pears. Cover and chill.