Brandied Pears

Total Time: 34 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 19 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 8 firm ripe pears (such as bosc, anjou or large-size seckels free of bruises and blemishes)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 2 1/2 cups sugar (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon clove
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2-3/4 cup good-quality brandy

Recipe

• 1 remove stems and discard and then peel. cut the fruit in half lengthwise and core . place the pears in a glass bowl and set aside.
• 2 to make the syrup: combine in a large pot the water, sugar, cloves, ginger and cinnamon. bring the mixture to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves. reduce the heat and simmer the syrup uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• 3 using the wooden spoon, add the pears to the hot syrup, and stir to coat well. raise the heat under the pears and bring the syrup to a gentle boil, carefully turning over the fruit with the spoon.
• 4 cook the pears, turning occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender but not too soft when pierced with a fork. watch the fruit carefully and don't let it scorch.
• 5 remove the pears from the heat and stir in the brandy. remove the pan from the heat and set on a wire rack to cool. then, transfer the pears to a glass or porcelain bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. chill completely before serving.