Name: Poached Pears with Chocolate Drizzle
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6

Who knew poaching pears was so easy?

1 cinnamon stick, broken in half

3 cups apple cider

1 tbsp grated lemon peel

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

¼ tsp ground allspice

6 medium firm Anjou or Bosc pears, stems attached

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup unsalted butter

In large, deep saucepot, combine cinnamon stick halves, apple cider, lemon peel, pepper and allspice. Slice 1/4-inch from the bottom of each pear to form a flat surface for pears to sit on. Peel each pear using even strokes with a peeler to keep pear smooth. With small end of melon baller, scoop out inside of each pear through flat bottom, removing inner core and seeds. You will need to scoop 3 or 4 times, but do not go all the way through pear.
Stand pears in saucepot; cover and heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, 20-22 minutes, basting occasionally, or until pears are very tender when pierced with paring knife. With slotted spoon, remove pears from liquid and place on platter; cool 20 minutes.
In medium microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate and butter in microwave oven on high 2 minutes or until melted, stirring every minute. Place each pear on dessert plate. Using a spoon, drizzle chocolate sauce over each pear and serve.