Wine-Poached Pears

Directions

1. 1
   Peel pears, leaving stem intact.
2. 2
   Using a small melon baller, remove stems and seeds from bottoms of pears.
3. 3
   In a saucepan that will accommodate pears upright, combine wine, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, lemon zest and lemon juice.
4. 4
   Bring to a boil.
5. 5
   Add pears, cook over medium heat, maintaining a boil for 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Remove from heat, allow pears to cool slowly.
7. 7
   Baste pears occasionally with poaching liquid.
8. 8
   When completely cooled, chill pears.
9. 9
   Serve on individual dessert plates; spoon liquid over pears.