Poached Pears

Recipe View 5 mins In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the champagne, orange juice, and sugar. Add the orange slices, cloves, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. (Approximately 5 minutes)

Recipe View 15 mins Carefully place the peeled pears into the simmering liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer gently for 15 minutes.

Recipe View 30 mins Remove the cover and continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork. The poaching liquid should have reduced slightly and taken on a beautiful amber color. (Approximately 30 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Gently remove the pears from the poaching liquid using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. (Approximately 10 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins While the pears are cooling, melt the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring occasionally until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted. (Approximately 5 minutes)

Recipe View Once the pears have cooled slightly, drizzle the melted chocolate artfully over each pear. Serve immediately, or chill for later enjoyment.