Ingredients & Directions

4 pears
1 bottle Ruby Port (Fine Ruby or Select Reserve)
½ cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 pod star anise
4 whole cloves
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 vanilla pod
½ tablespoon orange zest
½ tablespoon lemon zest
Fresh ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt

Combine all the ingredients, except the pears, in a saucepan and gently bring to a boil. Gently simmer the liquid for 5 to 10 minutes, whilst you peel and core the pears, leaving the stalk intact for decoration.

Drop in the pears and continue to simmer for around 30 to 40 minutes, gently turning the pears occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

Remove pears and then reduce the remaining sauce by about half. Strain into a jug and pour generously over the pears. Serve immediately with cream or vanilla ice cream.
Yields: 4 servings.

Recipe provided by Blog Chefs