POACHED RED PEAR ZINFANDEL

4 large ripe red pears or other pear variety
1 1/2 cups white zinfandel or rose wine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup sugar
4 tsp honey
fresh mint leaves (optional)

Core pears from bottom, leaving stem intact. Using a paring knife, peel a spiral channel from tip to bottom of fruit, if desired. Slice the bottoms off pears to allow them to stand upright.

Stand pears up in the bottom of a large saucepan; add wine and vanilla. Bring mixture just to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer pears, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until pears are just tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pears to four dessert dishes.

Add sugar to liquid in pan; bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 12 minutes or until liquid is reduced to 2/3-cup and is the consistency of a thin sauce.

Spoon sauce over pears. Drizzle honey on top. Serve warm or chilled. Garnish sauce on each plate with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Makes 4 servings
Source: CDC