Sauternes and Sugar-Glazed Pears

Combine sour cream and yogurt; stir well. Cover and chill.

Combine the sugar and water in a medium skillet. Place over medium-low heat, and cook 10 minutes or until the sugar dissolves (do not stir). Cover, increase heat to medium, and cook 1 minute. Uncover and cook an additional 10 minutes or until golden (do not stir).

Remove from heat. Gradually add the wine and ground allspice, stirring constantly (the caramelized sugar will harden and stick to the spoon). Place over medium heat; cook for 3 minutes or until the caramelized sugar melts and the mixture is smooth, stirring constantly.

Add pear halves; cover and cook 20 minutes or until tender, turning pears once. Remove pears from skillet with a slotted spoon; set aside.

Bring cooking liquid to a boil; cook, uncovered, 10 minutes or until sugar mixture is reduced to 1/2 cup.

Spoon 2 tablespoons sugar mixture onto each of 4 dessert plates. Place 1 pear half, cut side up, on top of sauce; top each with 1 tablespoon sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with allspice, if desired.