Pears Poached in Peppered Port

• port wine↗3 cups
• sugar↗1⁄4 cup
• lemon rind↗3 pieces

  2-inches each

• lemon juice↗1 tablespoon
• black peppercorns↗20

  20

• whole cloves↗5

  5

• cinnamon stick↗1 piece

  3-inches

• bartlett pears↗4

  peeled, cored, halved

• fresh mint4

  sprigs

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Combine first 7 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil.

2. 2

   Add pear halves; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes or until tender.

3. 3

   Remove pear halves with a slotted spoon, and place in a large shallow bowl. Cover and chill.

4. 4

   Bring wine mixture to a boil, and cook 8 minutes or until reduced to 1 cup.

5. 5

   Pour wine mixture through fine mesh sieve into a small bowl; discard spices and lemon. Cover and chill.

6. 6

   Place 2 pear halves in each of 4 dessert dishes; top with sauce. Garnish with mint sprigs.