Red Wine Poached Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Courtesy of J.M. Hirsch, AP Food Editor for The Daily News

INGREDIENTS

• 6 pears, peeled, stem left intact
• 1 750-milliliter bottle red wine
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 cup of sugar
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• ⅓ cup creme fraiche (optional)

PREPARATION

1. Use a melon baller to carefully scoop out the core of the pears, working from the bottom up. This creates a hollow inside the pear, somewhat resembling a bell.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the red wine, cinnamon stick, cloves, and sugar. Stand the pears upright in the mixture, then bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer, uncovered, for about 40 minutes, or until the pears are just tender. Occasionally turn the pears to help them poach evenly.
3. The pears can be served warm, room temperature or chilled. Arrange each pear on a serving plate and sprinkle blue cheese and walnuts on and around them. Place a dollop of creme fraiche either on the pear or on the plate next to it.

Serves 6-7. Prep time, 40-50 minutes.