Pears Poached In Wine

Photo: Euclydes Antonio dos Santos Filho

Ingredients

4 pears

300 ml red wine

300 ml water

150 grams sugar (caster)

30 grams ginger, fresh

1/2 cinnamon stick

1 clove

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Preparation

Place all ingredients for the poaching liquid into a deep saucepan,bring to the boil and simmer 5 minutes. Reduce heat until liquid is just simmering.

Peel pears and place in the hot syrup to completely submerge. You can lay a tea towel over the pears to hold them under. If the pears are very large cut in half lengthwise.

Poach very gently at just below boiling point for 15-30 minutes (varies depending on ripeness and size of fruit) or until fruit is tender but not overcooked. Lift pears gently from liquid with a slotted spoon or wire basket taking care not to damage.

Boil cooking liquid 5 minutes to reduce, remove from heat, allow to cool to room temperature, add pears, cover and chill.