POACHED PEARS WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE

2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
1 cinnamon stick
4 pears
4 Tbsp. chocolate syrup

In large saucepan, combine water, sugar, lemon rind, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.

Peel, halve and core pears. Add pears to boiling syrup. (Pears should be covered in liquid; if not, double the amount of poaching liquid or poach in batches.) Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until pears are almost tender (time will vary depending on ripeness and type of pear; remember, pears will continue to cook while cooling). Remove from heat and let cool in liquid.

TO SERVE:
Drain pears thoroughly and pat dry on paper towels. Arrange pear halves on individual plates. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Serve at room temperature.

Each of the 8 servings contains 119 calories and less than one gram of fat.

Source: American Institute for Cancer Research