Another lovely fall holiday dessert, poached pears are simple, yet elegant for your dinner table.

• 12 pears, cored. 
• 3 c dry red wine or fruit juice
• 1/2 c sugar, if you want to add it.
• lemon peel
• 4 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 12 cloves or cardamom pods

Use a saucepan just large enough for pears to cook on their sides.

First, bring the liquid to a boil with spices.  Reduce to low and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add pears, peeled is fancier, unpeeled is more natural. Simmer on low 10-20 minutes, turning frequently. You could stuff pears with a dried fruit and almond paste or with chocolate sauce.