Lemon Poached Pears with Chocolate Cherry Sauce

Ingredients

Pears
4 fresh California Bartlett pears, slightly under-ripe, peeled, cored, and stems intact
2 cups water
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 4-inch cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves

Sauce
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup brandy
1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries

Directions

To prepare pears: place pears, water, lemon juice, cinnamon and cloves in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, venting one corner. Microwave on HIGH 5 to 7 minutes or until pears are just barely tender, giving dish a 1/4 turn after 3 minutes. Drain pears, discarding liquid.

To prepare sauce: combine chocolate and brandy in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is melted. Whisk until smooth. Stir in cherries and microwave on HIGH another 1 to 2 minutes to heat through.

To serve, place pears on individual serving plates. Spoon chocolate sauce over pears.

Makes 4 servings