Apricot Poached Pears - apricot preserves

Method

• Put preserves in a 1-cup measure.
• Cook, uncovered, at 100 percent power in a high-power oven for 1 minute.
• Remove from oven.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice and the kirsch.
• Pass mixture through a sieve into a shallow bowl.
• Set aside.
• 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.
• Roll each apricot lengthwise and put one in the cavity of each pear.
• Coat the pears in the apricot mixture.
• Arrange pears in a circle around the inside rim of a 2 1/4-quart souffle dish.
• Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap.
• Cook 7 minutes.
• Prick plastic to release steam.
• Remove from oven and uncover.
• Serve hot or cold.
• Put each pear on a plate and spoon some of the remaining sauce over.