Ginger Poached Pears

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Serves 4

2 cups dry red wine
½ cup brown sugar or muscavado sugar
4 thick slices fresh ginger
8 cardamom pods
4 sprigs thyme
12 oz frozen cranberries
4 firm, ripe pears
crystallized ginger, for garnish

1. In a saucepan large enough to fit the pears in one layer, combine the wine, sugar, ginger, cardamom, thyme and berries. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. While liquid is simmering, slice ½ inch off the bottom of the pears to create a flat bottom they can stand up. Peel the pears, leaving the stem intact. Place the pears in the liquid and simmer, turning frequently, until a knife pierces easily.
3. Remove the pears from the poaching liquid. Turn the heat up to medium-high and reduce the liquid to at least ½ and it’s syrupy.
4. Strain the poaching liquid. Drizzle the bottom of soup bowls with the strained poaching liquid. Stand a pear in the center of the bowl and garnish with crystallized ginger. The pears and sauce may also be stored in the refrigerator overnight and served cold