Ingredients
2 firm medium pears1-1/2 cups water1 cup dry red wine or red grape juice1/2 cup sugar2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest1/8 teaspoon orange extractAdditional grated orange zest, optional
Preparation
Core pears from bottom, leaving stems intact. Peel pears; cut 1/4 in. from bottom to level if necessary. Place pears on their sides in a large saucepan. Add water, wine, sugar and vanilla. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, turning once, until pears are almost tender, 35-40 minutes. (For more intense flavor and color, leave fruit in cooking liquid and refrigerate overnight.)
Meanwhile, combine sour cream, confectioners’ sugar, orange zest and extract. Refrigerate until serving.
Remove pears with a slotted spoon; pat dry and, if warm, cool to room temperature. Discard cooking liquid. Place pears on dessert plates. Serve with orange cream; if desired, top with additional grated orange zest.
