Spiced Red Wine-Poached Pears

Directions

1. 1
   In a 4-quart saucepan, combine wine, sugar, orange juice, zest, cinnamon stick and cloves.
2. 2
   Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. 3
   While liquid is simmering, peel pears, leaving stem intact and being careful not to blemish the flesh of the pears.
4. 4
   Slice 1/2-inch off the bottom of the pears to create a flat bottom.
5. 5
   Gently place pears in poaching liquid, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even color, until pears are cooked but still firm.
6. 6
   Remove saucepan from flame, uncover and cool with pears upright in pan.
7. 7
   Once cool, cover and chill in refrigerator at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours, turning occasionally, if desired.
8. 8
   Gently remove pears from liquid and allow to come to room temperature.
9. 9
   Meanwhile, reduce liquid by about half over a medium-high flame for 15 minutes, until liquid is thicker and slightly syrupy.
10. 10
    Remove from flame and let liquid come to room temperature.
11. 11
    Drizzle each pear with 2 tablespoons syrup and serve.