Poached Pears in Red Wine

Whilst the glorious winter weather is still with us why not try this favourite dessert.  I don't use much sugar at all when I poach my pears, preferring to taste the spices that are added to flavour the poaching liquid.

Ingredients

4 pears peeled but leave stalk on
stick of cinnamon
Orange or lemon peel x 3
Vanilla Bean
2 star anise
Water plus 2 cups red wine to cover pears
1/3 cup of sugar

Method

In a deep saucepan combine all ingredients apart from the pears and bring to a simmer.
Add the pears and cook until pears are tender - this can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the variety of  pear and their ripeness.  But the longer they simmer the more flavour they will take on.

Leave to cool in the syrup and serve at room temperature.

Delicious with a homemade custard or Ice Cream.

For more decadence you can serve with Chocolate sauce.

Mamma Marmalade