Wine poached Pear with Chocolate and Mint sauce

Ingredients

• 4 ripe and firm pears (I used bosc pears)
• 1-1/2 cup red wine (I used Merlot)
• 1/2 cup white/brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2- star anise
• 2 bay leaves
• few cardamoms
• 2 tablespoons butter (this is for the red wine sauce)

Instructions

1. 1

   Peel the pears and try to retain the stem.

2. 2

   In a sauce pan big enough to fit all the pears, pour the wine, lemon juice, vanilla extract along with sugar and all the whole spices. Bring it to boil and then bring down the heat to let it simmers for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   After 5 minutes, gently place the pears and let it simmer in medium low heat for 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Toss the pear to the other side very gently and let it continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. 5

   Gently poke the pear with a knife. If it feels soft, it is ready.

6. 6

   Carefully remove the pears to a serving plate.

7. 7

   Continue simmering the wine until it's reduced a lot. When it starts to look sauce like consistency, add the butter and whisk. The butter will add a creamy, rich taste to the wine poached pear.

8. 8

   Strain the sauce to a serving cup.

9. 9

   Whipped heavy cream or mascarpone cheese to serve along with the wine poached pear and red wine sauce.