| Light, refreshing and very sophisticated. Asian pears have a crisp texture, a round shape, and a sweet and floral aroma that's quite unlike that of the more familiar buttery "pear-shaped" pear. Yield: Serves 4 Ingredients: 2 cups water 1 cup dry White Burgundy wine 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 star anise* 1 dried red chili pepper 1 2-inch piece cinnamon stick 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced 4 large (10 ounces each) Asian pears 2 lbs Organic Chocolate 1 cup chopped toasted almonds 1 12oz canned cherries 4 oz. Brandy *A brown star-shaped seed pod; available at Asian markets and specialty food stores and some supermarkets. Preparation: Bring first 8 ingredients to boil in heavy large saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Peel pears. Add to syrup. Add enough water to cover pears. Cover pan; simmer for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Soak pears until tender, about 40 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer pears to bowl. Increase heat; boil liquid until reduced to 3/4 cup, about 25 minutes. Strain syrup then add cherries and bring to simmer. Add Brandy carefully observing flambeaux. Pour onto serving plate Chill until cold. Melt Organic Chocolate in a double boiler and dip bottom 1/3 of each pear. Roll in chopped almonds (Can be made 2 days ahead. Chill.) Stand 1 pear in center of each plate. |