Poached Pears in Red Wine and Star Anise
Serves 4-6
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
3/4 cup sugar
2 star anise
6 medium pears
3 thick strips lemon rind
1. Place wine, sugar and star anise into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH until sugar is dissolved.
2. Place pears into the slow cooker, turning to coat well with sugar syrup. Add lemon peel, cover and cook on HIGH 2-3 hours or LOW 4-6 hours, turning occasionally to coat.
3. To serve, remove pears from the slow cooker and place onto a serving plate. Pour syrup over pears. Serve with whipped cream if desired.