Enjoy this Heart-Healthy Dessert Recipe!

Worldwide, the month of February is dedicated to raising awareness around heart health. For our
part, we wanted to share some risk factors of heart disease and stroke as well as a delicious heart-healthy recipe!

The heart is the strongest muscle in the body, but without proper care it is vulnerable to damage that can result in serious health problems. Cardiovascular diseases, a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, are the number one cause of death globally even though most cases are preventable. Stroke, which can occur when weakened blood vessels rupture, is the second leading cause of disability, affecting 15 million people worldwide each year. Given these statistics, it is important to make heart health a priority.

As Dr. Elizabeth Steinbaum, attending cardiologist and Director of Women’s Heart Health at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, National Spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s Go Red Campaign, and author, shared with Home Care Assistance: “Heart disease is 80 to 90% preventable, and it is never too late. “I think education and awareness is the key to empowering yourself to make the best lifestyle choices to lead the healthiest life.”

Start leading a heart-healthy life today with this delicious dessert that won’t hurt your waistline.

Spice and Honey Pears

Serves 4; 2 pear halves and 1 heaping tablespoon of sauce per serving.

Ingredients

• 1 cup light cranberry juice cocktail
• 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 4 small, firm pears (about 6 ounces each), peeled, halved and cored
• 2 tablespoons sweetened dried cherries or sweetened dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons honey

Preparation

1. In a large nonstick skillet, stir together the cranberry juice, cinnamon and allspice. Add the pears and cherries. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the pears are tender. Transfer the pears with the cut side down to a serving plate, leaving the liquid in the skillet.
2. Cook the liquid, still on medium high, for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat. Stir in the honey. Spoon the sauce over the pears. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes. Turn the pears several times to coat with the sauce or transfer them to plates and spoon the sauce on top.

*Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association

From all of us at Home Care Assistance, we hope you enjoy this sweet treat!