Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce



2 1/2 cup water
7 tbsp granulated sugar
grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
1 cinnamon stick
4 pears, halved and cored
4 tbsp chocolate sauce, (store bought)

1. In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, lemon rind, lemon juice and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the pears to the boiling syrup. (Pears should be covered in liquid; if not, double the amount of poaching liquid or poach in batches.) Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pears are almost tender (pears will continue to cook while cooling). Remove from the heat and let pears cool in the liquid.
3. Drain the pears thoroughly and pat dry on paper towels. Arrange the pear halves on individual plates. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and serve at room temperature.

Yield: 8 servings