Red Wine Poached Pears

Impress your holiday guests with this simple, healthy and elegant dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup red wine
  
• 1 lemon
  
• 1 navel orange, quartered
  
• 1/2 cup sugar
  
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1 cinnamon stick
  
• 5 cloves
  
• 4 small ripe pears (any variety), peeled
  

Directions:

1. Squeeze the lemon and orange quarters. Then, in a small saucepan, off the heat, combine the wine, juices, one squeezed orange quarter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
2. Add the pears and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, turning the pears occasionally, until tender, about 25 minutes.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pears to individual plates.
4. Remove and discard the orange quarter and spices. Return the liquid to a simmer and cook until reduced by two-thirds, about 15 minutes.
5. Spoon the sauce over the pears.
6. Makes four servings.

Nutrition information per serving:

318 Calories; 0g Fat; 0g Cholesterol; 54g Carbohydrate; 8mg Sodium; 1g Protein; 4g Fiber;
43g Sugar.