Spiced Poached Pears
Adapted from Kitchen of Friends . 3-4 riped Bosc pears, peeled but do not remove the stems 2 c. Red wine (your choice) 1/4 c. Grand Marnier 2 Cinnamon Sticks 3 Tbsp Sugar 2-3 slices Mandarin orange (or 1-2 slices Navel orange) [ Note: I used Bartlet pears because it's what I have at home. But when they are perfectly ripe (like mine was), they are very soft to handle once they are poached. Therefore, I highly recommend using the Bosc pears (as most recipes do) for a firmer flesh that will make it easier to work with and gives a better texture when they are consumed.] Arrange the pears in a sauce pan. Combine the red wine, Grand Marnier, cinnamon sticks, sugar and orange slices. Pour over the pears. Bring to a simmer. Allow the pears to simmer in the wine sauce for approximately 30 min. Rotate or bast the pears occasionally with the sauce. Carefully transfer the poached pears to another dish and allow the pears to cool to room temperature....