Wine Poached Pears

Squeeze lemon juice into large bowl.

Core and peel pears. Slice in halves or quarters. Place in lemon juice and toss to coat.

In a saucepan on medium-high heat, add all ingredients except dried fruit. Bring to boil for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and place pears in poaching liquid, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes, or until tender. Gently remove pears with slotted spoon and set aside.

Raise temperature of poaching liquid to medium-high heat. Add dried fruit and allow to reduce and thicken, about 5 minutes. Once poaching liquid has reduced, remove whole cloves and cinnamon sticks.

Plate pears and pour warm poaching liquid over pears. Garnish with a dollop of mascarpone cheese, dried fruit and chopped nuts (optional).