Poached Pears

1. Zest the lemon using a citrus zester or cut off the zest and cut it into very thin strips.

2. Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the saucepan with the wine, sugar, rum, cloves, and salt. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the pears to the liquid to just cover the pears. (Use smaller saucepan if needed.) Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and simmer the pears for 25 to 30 minutes, until tender. Use a slotted spoon to lift the pears from the liquid onto a plate.  Return the liquid to a low boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until it reduces and thickens to a syrupy consistency.

5. Place one pear on each of four plates. Drizzle syrup over pears and garnish with mint leaves and/or fresh fruit.

Serve with a glass of Darby Blush wine for the perfect finish!