Mulled wine poached pears
( SERVES 6 )

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NZ Woman's Weekly 4/6/2006

Serves 6

1 cup	Sugar
1 bottle	Red wine
1	Orange, peeled rind
1	Lemon, peeled rind
6	Cloves
1	Cinnamon stick
6	Pears, firm, peeled to retain stalks
6	Sage leaves, (optional)

Combine the bottle of wine, the sugar, lemon peel, orange peel and spices in a saucepan and bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Add pears, cover with a piece of baking paper to poach for about 20 to 25 minutes or until just tender. Remove pears to a serving dish to cool.
Strain wine mixture to remove and discard flavourings. Return liquid to the pan and bring to the boil, then simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce to a thick syrup.
Pour syrup over pears and leave to cool completely, then refrigerate.
Decorate with sage leaves to mimic fresh pear leaves, if desired.
Serve cold, with cream on the side, if preferred.

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