Poached Pears In Sauternes

When pears are in season this is a reasonably simple but perfectly delectable dessert to make.

Using a small , sharp knife , score a zigzag pattern in the skin around the top of each pear , working downwards from the stalk.

Leaving the zigzag skin at the top in place , peel the rest of each pear very thinly so as to preserve their shape.

Remove the core from the base , using a corer or a small melon baller.

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan big enough to hold everything , including the pears.

Set over a medium heat until the liquid comes to the boil , then reduce the heat so that it is barely simmering.

The cooking time will vary according to the ripeness of the pears.

Very ripe pears will only take 5 minutes.

Much less ripe fruit will need up to 15 minutes.

As soon as they are ready , turn off the heat.

Transfer the pears with their poaching syrup to a bowl and leave at room temperature until needed.

Serve one or two pears on each plate with a little orange zest and some syrup.

pears, orange, juice and zest of, sauternes wine, water, honey, sugar, lemons, juice of, vanilla pod, cinnamon stick, cloves