Pears Poached in Spiced Red Wine

Ingredients

• 6 firm-ripe large pears, such as Anjou or seckel pears, peeled, stems left intact

• 1 (750 ml) bottle fruity red wine, such as a California Burgundy
• 1 lemon, peeled, white pith removed, sliced
• 4 whole cloves
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cinnamon sticks (each 2 inches)
• 1 piece lemon zest (1 inch)
• 6 fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. 1

   Place the pears and the wine in a nonreactive medium-size saucepan. Be sure the wine completely covers the pears. Stud 4 of the lemon slices with the cloves and add them with all the other ingredients (except the mint) to the pears. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, uncovered, until the pears are soft but not mushy, 25 to 35 minutes.

2. 2

   Transfer the pears to a serving bowl. Reduce the poaching liquid over high heat by one-third to concentrate the flavors. This may take up to 15 minutes. Pour over the pears—cinammon sticks and all—and let cool.

3. 3

   Let the pears sit for a few hours, or, ever better, overnight, so they can fully absorb the flavors in the wine. They will turn a beautiful vermillion color.