Vinho do Porto is a fortified wine from the northern Duoro Valley region of Portugal. Pears cooked in a Vinho do Porto syrup make for an easy but elegant dessert!
2 cups water
1 cup white sugar
1 cup Vinho do Porto (Port wine)
2 strips orange peel
2 strips lemon peel
1 cinnamon stick
4 small pears
Mint leaves, for garnish, optional
1. To make the syrup: Place the water, sugar, Port wine, orange and lemon peels, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
2. Carefully peel the pears, and then slice a 1/4-inch piece off of the bottom to help the pears stand upright.
3. Place the pears upright in the saucepan with the syrup. Bring the syrup to a boil, then lower the heat to medium, cover the saucepan, and cook 50 minutes.
4. Remove the pears from the syrup and let cool, or chill in the refrigerator, before serving. Serve garnished with mint leaves, if desired.
Recipe and photo courtesy Tia Maria’s The Portuguese Diner
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