Egmont Honey - Red Wine & Honey Poached Pears

These honey poached pears make a simple yet impressive dessert. The red wine turns them a lovely shade of blush, while the spices and honey bring out their flavour. Best enjoyed with vanilla bean ice cream or mascarpone.

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

• 6 pears (ripe but firm)
• 1 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• 2/3 cup Egmont Honey
• 2 cups red wine (use a full-bodied wine such as a merlot)
• 1 cup water

METHOD

1. Peel the pears, leaving the stalks.
2. Arrange in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan.
3. Peel 3 strips of zest from the orange (use a vegetable peeler or sharp paring knife to do this) and add this to the pot along with the cinnamon stick, peppercorns, honey, red wine and water.
4. Cover with a lid, bring to the boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Cook for 30 minutes or until a sharp knife can be easily inserted into a pear.
6. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pears from the syrup and arrange on either 1 serving plate or 6 little side-plates.
7. Return the syrup to the heat and cook for 10-12 minutes until the syrup has reduced and is thick.
8. To serve, spoon the syrup over the pears and serve immediately with vanilla bean ice-cream, mascarpone or gently whipped cream.