Red Wine Poached Pears
From the CorkSavvy Kitchens
6 medium firm but ripe pears, peeled
1 750 ml bottle red wine such as Zinfandel or Shiraz
1 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
zest of 1 orange, removed in strips with a vegetable peeler
Bring wine, sugar, cinnamon, and orange peel to a boil in a medium saucepan, mixing until sugar dissolves completely. Add pears. Bring back to a simmer. Place a round of parchment paper with a small slit in the center on top of the simmering liquid. Continue simmering gently until pears are tender, about 30 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer pears and poaching liquid to a bowl and let cool. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
