Step 1

Place all the ingredients except the pears in a saucepan. The saucepan should fit all of the pears comfortably, with enough depth to submerge them completely in the poaching liquid.

Step 2

Bring the mix to the boil, and then turn the heat down to a low simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Step 3

When the sugar is dissolved and the wine is simmering, peel the pears. The fruit will discolor quickly, so peel them only when ready!

Step 4

Gently submerge the peeled pears in the wine mix, and poach for 20-25 minutes or until tender enough to be poked through with a fork. Turn the pears every 5 minutes to help them poach evenly.

Step 5

Keeping the pears upright, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the pears to cool in the wine. Once cool, remove the pears and leave on a plate or wire rack.

Step 6

Return the wine mix to the heat and bring to a simmer. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, and has formed a syrup. If it gets too thick, you can thin it out with a little water.

Step 7

To serve the pears, place upright on a plate and drizzle with a spoonful of the syrup. Garnish with some fresh, torn mint leaves and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.