Chilled Pear Soup

8 Pears; peeled, cored, diced

2 c Water

1/4 ts Sea salt

4 tb Brown rice syrup

1/2 ts Peeled, finely minced ginger

-OR- 1/2 ts -Powdered ginger

1/4 ts Anise extract (optional)

Mint leaves, fresh Strawberries for garnish Bring the pears, water, and salt to a simmer. Add the rice syrup and ginger (and the anise extract, if you wish). Simmer for 3 more minutes. Allow the mixture to cool. Then puree the mixture and chill. Serve garnished with mint leaves or strawberries. From _Friendly Foods_ by Bro. Ron Picarski