Desserts: Warm Desserts: Poached Red Pear Zinfandel

A flavorful dessert that also provides essential vitamins!

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 5 A Day Program
Date: June 02, 2007

Serves: 4 person(s)

Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

4 large ripe red pears or other pear variety
1 1/2 cup white zinfandel or rose wine
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup sugar
4 tsp honey
1 fresh mint leaves (optional)

Directions:

Core pears from bottom, leaving stem intact. If desired,use a paring knife to peel a spiral channel from tip to bottom of fruit.

Slice the bottoms off pears to allow them to stand upright. Stand pears up in the bottom of a large saucepan; add wine and vanilla. Bring mixture just to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer pears, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until pears are just tender.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer pears to four dessert dishes. Add sugar to liquid in pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 12 minutes or until liquid is reduced to 2/3 cup and is the consistency of a thin sauce.

Spoon sauce over pears. Drizzle honey on top. Serve warm or chilled. If desired, garnish sauce on each plate with fresh mint leaves.