Ginger Pears

• water↗1 cup
• sugar↗1 1⁄2 cups
• lemons↗2

  rind of, finely grated

• lemon juice↗3 tablespoons
• finely diced candied ginger2 -3 tablespoons

  finely diced

• medium pears↗6

  firm

• orange marmalade↗1⁄3 cup
• rum or Bourbon↗2 tablespoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Use a saucepan that has a cover and is large enough to hold the pears upright in a single layer.

2. 2

   Place the water, sugar, rind, and juice in the saucepan and stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil; stir in the ginger and set aside.

3. 3

   With a vegetable peeler, peel the pears; if necessary, trim the bottoms a bit so they will stand upright.

4. 4

   Place the pears in the syrup, cover, and cook over medium heat; baste the pears frequently (a ladle is handy for this since the ginger might get stuck in a bulb baster).

5. 5

   Do not over cook; test with a cake tester or toothpick; when they pierce easily they are done; start testing after 20 minutes.

6. 6

   When the pears are just tender, transfer them with a slotted spoon to a shallow bowl.

7. 7

   Add the marmalade to the syrup and let boil for 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Then add in the cognac, and pour the hot sauce over the pears.

9. 9

   With a ladle or large spoon baste occasionally until cool; cover and refrigerate.

10. 10

    Serve each pear standing upright in a compote or dessert bowl, with several spoonfuls of the syrup.