Pears Poached in Peppered Port

A light dessert with a spicy flavor. Cook time does not include chill time. From Cooking Light.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3  cups port wine
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 3  pieces lemon rind, 2-inches each
• 1  tablespoon lemon juice
• 20  black peppercorns
• 5  whole cloves
• 1  piece cinnamon stick, 3-inches
• 4  bartlett pears, peeled, cored, halved
• 4  sprigs of fresh mint

Directions

1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil.
2. Add pear halves; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes or until tender.
3. Remove pear halves with a slotted spoon, and place in a large shallow bowl. Cover and chill.
4. Bring wine mixture to a boil, and cook 8 minutes or until reduced to 1 cup.
5. Pour wine mixture through fine mesh sieve into a small bowl; discard spices and lemon. Cover and chill.
6. Place 2 pear halves in each of 4 dessert dishes; top with sauce. Garnish with mint sprigs.