Yields Serves 4

How to Make It

Step 1
1

In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan over medium heat, combine Beaujolais Nouveau, sugar, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.

Step 2
2

Split vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape seeds into wine mixture; add pod. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

Step 3
3

Meanwhile, peel pears (leave stems on) and add to pan; reduce heat to low, cover, and cook untl pears are tender when pierced, 10 to 15 minutes. Remve from heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour.

Step 4
4

With a slotted spoon, transfer pears to small bowls and return pan with poaching liquid to medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1 cup, about 30 minutes. Drizzle liquid over pears; garnish with whole spices.

Ingredients

 1 bottle (750 ml.) Beaujolais Nouveau
 1 cup sugar
 4 whole star anise
 4 whole cloves
 2 cinnamon sticks (3 in.)
 1 vanilla bean (4 in.)
 8 firm-ripe Seckel pears (1 to 2 oz. each)

Directions

Step 1
1

In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan over medium heat, combine Beaujolais Nouveau, sugar, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.

Step 2
2

Split vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape seeds into wine mixture; add pod. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

Step 3
3

Meanwhile, peel pears (leave stems on) and add to pan; reduce heat to low, cover, and cook untl pears are tender when pierced, 10 to 15 minutes. Remve from heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour.

Step 4
4

With a slotted spoon, transfer pears to small bowls and return pan with poaching liquid to medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1 cup, about 30 minutes. Drizzle liquid over pears; garnish with whole spices.

Poached Seckel Pears

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