Directions

• Step 1

  Peel pears and cut in half lengthwise. Remove cores with a melon baller or spoon and cut each half lengthwise into thirds.

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• Step 2

  Place the pear segments in a large saucepan and add wine, sour cherries (or cranberries), sugar and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and simmer gently over low heat until the pears are tender when pierced with a knife, 5 to 10 minutes.

• Step 3

  Remove the fruit to a serving bowl with a slotted spoon, discarding bay leaves. Bring the remaining poaching liquid to a boil over high heat and cook until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 12 minutes. Spoon over the fruit.