Poached Pears with Spiced-Wine Syrup

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dry red wine
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
• 10 black peppercorns
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 4 firm, ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears

Preparation

1. Combine first 8 ingredients in a 3-quart microwave-safe dish; microwave at HIGH 5 minutes or until mixture boils.
2. Peel and core pears, leaving stems intact. Slice about 1/4 inch from base of each pear so it will sit flat. Add pears to poaching liquid; cover and microwave at HIGH 10 minutes, or until tender. Let cool in dish 5 minutes. Remove pears with a slotted spoon; set aside.
3. Microwave liquid at HIGH 5 minutes or until reduced to 1 cup. Place each pear in a shallow bowl. Spoon 1/4 cup sauce over each pear.
4. Note: Look for pears that have long stems for a dramatic presentation. To core a pear, hold it in your left hand. Using a melon baller, make three or four quick cuts into pear from the bottom. Leftover pears will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.