Pomegranate Poached Pears with Vanilla Cashew Cream

Ingredients

• 2 organic pears (Bosc, Anjou or Barlett)
• 32 oz pomegranate juice (bottled is fine — make sure it’s 100%)
• 3 cups water
• 1 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (preferably alcohol-free)
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (optional)
• 1 cup cashews (raw, soaked for 4–6 hours)
• ½ cup plant-based milk (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup date paste (link in directions)
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract (preferably alcohol-free)
• 1 pinch salt (optional)