Pears in Red Wine

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

2. Step 2

   Peel the pears and cut each crosswise in half. Cut or scoop out the center core.

3. Step 3

   Place the pears, one at a time, cut side down on a flat surface. Using a small paring knife, cut each half into a fan shape, slicing down, left to right, at quarter-inch intervals, almost but not quite up to the stem end. Leave the stem end intact.

4. Step 4

   Arrange the pear halves cut side down on a baking dish in which they will fit in one layer.

5. Step 5

   Combine the wine, cloves, lemon rind and brown sugar in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Let simmer 5 minutes. Pour this over the pears.

6. Step 6

   Baste the pears and cover closely with aluminum foil. Punch a few holes in the foil to allow steam to escape. Place in the oven and bake 25 minutes.

7. Step 7

   Carefully remove the pears to a dish, taking care not to break the slices. Pour the liquid into a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce over moderately high heat to about ¾ cup. Pour this over the pears. When ready to serve, flatten the pears slightly and gently to make a fan pattern.