Another one of my favourite desserts inspired by my mom’s (my recipe is slightly different than hers). Superbly delicious and looks incredibly gourmet – the perfect way to impress at a holiday party this year!

INGREDIENTS

1 bottle red wine, such as Shiraz
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tbs vanilla
6 firm ripe pears
1 tbs cinnamon
3 tbs your choice of nuts, such as toasted, slivered almonds or walnuts

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium saucepan, combine wine, sugar orange juice, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves. Bring to a simmer.

While liquid is simmering, peel pears, leaving stem intact and being careful not to blemish the flesh. Slice a 1/2 inch off the bottom of the pear to create a flat bottom.

Gently place pears on their side in poaching liquid, cover and simmer for 15-20 mins, or until pears are cooked but still slightly firm. Turn every 5 mins to ensure even colour and flavour absorption. Remove saucepan from heat and let pears cool completely in the liquid. Transfer to bowl and let chill in poaching liquid for up to 24 hrs, turning occasionally.

Gently remove pears from liquid and allow to come to room temperature. Transfer liquid to a small saucepan and simmer the liquid over medium-high heat until reduced by half,about 15 mins. Mixture should be thicker and slightly syrupy. Remove from heat and let come to room temperature.

Drizzle each pear with 2 tbs of syrup and sprinkle with 1/2 tbs of nuts to serve.

Serves 6