Brandied Pears

Top with vanilla ice cream or spoon over plain cake with a swirl of sweetened whipped cream. From Soul Food Desserts from Family and Friends.

• Ready In: 34 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8  firm ripe pears (such as Bosc, Anjou or large-size Seckels free of bruises and blemishes)
• 2 1⁄2 cups water
• 2 1⁄2 cups sugar (or to taste)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon clove
• 1  teaspoon ground ginger
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2-3⁄4 cup  good-quality brandy

Directions

1. Remove stems and discard and then peel. Cut the fruit in half lengthwise and core . Place the pears in a glass bowl and set aside.
2. To make the syrup: Combine in a large pot the water, sugar, cloves, ginger and cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat and simmer the syrup uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes or until slightly thickened.
3. Using the wooden spoon, add the pears to the hot syrup, and stir to coat well. Raise the heat under the pears and bring the syrup to a gentle boil, carefully turning over the fruit with the spoon.
4. Cook the pears, turning occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender but not too soft when pierced with a fork. Watch the fruit carefully and don't let it scorch.
5. Remove the pears from the heat and stir in the brandy. Remove the pan from the heat and set on a wire rack to cool. Then, transfer the pears to a glass or porcelain bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Chill completely before serving.