Wine Poached Ginger Pears

Wine Poached Ginger Pears

INGREDIENTS

4 Medium Firm Pears

4 Pieces Crystallized Ginger (1 inch size)

1 Cup Red Wine

1 Cup Water

2 Tablespoons Honey

3 Thin Strips Lemon Peel

½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact.  Use a corer or sharp knife to remove the bottom “flower,” and about 1 ½ inch of the core.  Place one piece of the ginger into each hollow.  Place the pears upright in a medium pot.  Combine the wine, water, honey, lemon peel, and cinnamon in a medium bowl and pour over the pears.  Cover the pot and place over medium-low heat.  Simmer the pears for 20 minutes.  Uncover the pot and gently lay the pears on their sides.  Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.  Uncover and gently turn each pear over to its other side.  Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.  Stand the pears upright in a medium glass bowl.  Pour the wine syrup over the pears.  Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.  Can be served with vanilla ice cream or whipping cream.  Serves 4