Pears Poached In Burgundy Syrup

Pears can be left whole or halved or sliced. Pour the wine in a pot large enough to hold all the pears. Add the sugar, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and the vanilla bean. Tie up the peppercorns and the clove in a little piece of cheesecloth and add it to the pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Place the pears in the syrup and simmer gently until pears test soft. Allow pears to cool in their syrup.

NOTES : For an interesting variation, add 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the poaching liquid.