Wine Poached Pears

This delicious fruit dish can be made ahead and served room
temperature or slightly warmed up.

Ingredients:

4 to 8 ripe, yet firm, pears
1 bottle fruity white wine such as a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc
2 cups cherry cider or white grape juice
1 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 vanilla bean, split open
zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur (optional)

Preparation:

Carefully peel the pears, leaving the stems intact.

In a deep saucepan combine the wine, cider or juice, sugar, cinnamon
stick, vanilla and lemon zest and bring to a boil. Reduce to heat to a
simmer and add the pears, placed upright in the pan. The poaching
liquid should completely cover the pears while cooking, add more water
or juice if necessary.

Poach the pears until tender, 25 to 35 minutes and leave in the liquid
until ready to serve.

Just before serving add raspberry liqueur. Serve warm or at room
temperature with the pears standing upright in the serving dish and
poaching liquid spooned around them.

Serve with cream if desired.


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