poached pears

Maiko invited us over for dinner. John, Benjamin, Maiko and me.

She cooked chicken, rice and roasted vegetables. She refused to let our wine glasses sit empty. John and Benjamin told us the sad story of putting Zelda to sleep. I laughed and cried and we remembered our dogs and the roles they have played in our lives. And the roles this dearly departed canines still play – returning to us in our dreams, energetically populating our apartments in ways we've never imagined.

I made poached pears for dessert from a recipe book Jamie gave me. Skinless pears poached in red wine and spices. They come out deep burgundy, steaming, moist. And then, when you cut into the pear with the side of your spoon: translucent white flesh. Like a person inside out.

And the flavour: there is so much going on in one bite. Sweet and tart, spicy and red... deep deep red.

These are the times.