Pears In White Wine

I do not normally eat pears or apples uncooked.  I feel that when pears and apples are cooked their flavour and fragrance are richer.

I cooked these pears in white wine but you can cook them in red wine, Calvados or Cider.  Whichever liqueur you use your pears will be divine.

Ingredients

• 6 small pears, semi-ripe and peeled
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 3 cups of water
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of white wine

Method for the Pears

• place 3 cups of water, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise in a saucepan over medium-high heat.   Bring to the boil then add the wine.  Lower the heat and let the syrup cook and reduce.

• Add the pears and cooked them partially covered with the saucepan lid, turning them occasionally.

• Remove the pears when they are just tender.  Keep cooking the syrup for a few more minutes to reduce it a bit more.  Take the saucepan off the heat and allow the syrup to cool.

• Cut the pears in half and scoop out the seeds

• Return the pears to the syrup and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Tips

• When shopping for pears looks are very important.  They have to have a nice pear shape and a long stalk.  The fruit needs to be firm but not over ripe.
• These pears can be used in your seasonal tart.  Follow the recipe.