Poached Pears In Red Wine

• 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine, I like merlot, a good label (if you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it)
• 3/4 cup superfine sugar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 lemon, juice of
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 2 inches piece orange rind
• 1 clove
• 1 black peppercorns
• 4 firm ripe pears
• whipped cream or sour cream, to serve

1. Place the wine, sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, orange rind, clove and peppercorn in a saucepan just large enough to hold the pears standing upright. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Meanwhile, peel the pears, leaving the stem intact. Take a thin slice off the bottom of each pear to keep it standing upright.
3. Place the pears in the wine mixture, then simmer uncovered for 20-35 minutes depending on size and ripeness, until the pears are just tender; be careful not to overcook.
4. Carefully transfer the pears to a bowl, using a slotted spoon. Continue to boil the poaching liquid until reduced bu about half. Let cool, then strain the cooled liquid over the pears and chill for at least 3 hours.
5. Place the pears in four individual serving dishes and spoon a little of the red wine syrup over them. Serve with whipped cream or sour cream.

red wine, superfine sugar, honey, lemon, cinnamon, vanilla bean, orange rind, clove, black peppercorns, firm ripe pears, whipped cream

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/poached-pears-in-red-wine-175357 (may not work)