Holiday mulled wine + poached pears

Re-create a holiday classic with seasonal pears for the perfect party drink.

1 750mL bottle

good quality red wine

1/4 cup

cane sugar

whole cloves

1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled

bay leaf

cinnamon stick

Anjou pears, peeled, cored and halved

Place all ingredients except for pears in a medium pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and let steep for 10 minutes.
Add in pear halves and let cook until pears are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove pears, set aside to cool and discard other aromatics.
Keep warm on stove until ready to serve.

Can be served with puff pastry and vanilla custard to create a simple mulled wine poached pear dessert.