Cider-Poached Pears in the Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker

Core each pear from the bottom, leaving the stem intact. Peel pears. If necessary, slice the bottoms off pears to allow them to stand upright. Prepare as directed using desired cooker, below.

In a 4- to 6-qt. electric or stove-top pressure cooker stir together the next five ingredients (through cardamom) until honey is dissolved. Add pears to cooker. Lock lid in place. Set an electric cooker on high pressure to cook 5 minutes. For a stove-top cooker, bring up pressure over medium-high heat; reduce heat enough to maintain steady (but not excessive) pressure. Cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat. For both cookers, quickly release the pressure. Open lid carefully. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pears to dessert plates, reserving cider mixture in cooker. For an electric cooker, use the sauté setting to boil gently, uncovered, 12 to 15 minutes until syrupy. For a stove-top cookers, cook directly in the pot. Cool slightly. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard spices. Spoon cider syrup over pears. Serve with yogurt and pistachios.

In a 3 1/2- or 4-qt. slow cooker stir together the first five ingredients (through cardamom) until honey is dissolved. Add pears to cooker. Cover and cook on high 2 hours or until pears are just tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pears to dessert plates. Transfer cooking liquid to a small saucepan; bring to boiling. Boil gently, uncovered, 12 to 15 minutes until syrupy. Cool slightly. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard spices. Spoon cider syrup over pears. Serve with yogurt and pistachios.