Orange Poached Pears

• 2 cups orange juice
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 orange, cut in strips
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and quartered lengthwise

In a large saucepan combine orange juice, water, sugar, zest, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Add pears and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, until pears are tender. Put pears and syrup in refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.

Serve pears with sauce spooned over, garnished with orange zest. Remove cinnamon stick and cloves, if desired.

• Yields: 6 servings
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes, plus chilling time