Here's an elegant yet simple alternative to the loads of cakes and cookies at the holiday table. These pears that are oven-poached in Riesling wine that offers floral accents and hints of honey.

Ingredients:

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each pear, so they will stand upright. Arrange the pears in a9- to 10-inch pie pan or similar baking dish. Whisk wine and honey in a medium bowl until well blended; pour over the pears. Add cinnamon sticks, bay leaves and orange zest to the wine mixture around the pears.

3. Roast the pears, basting every 15 minutes, until they are wrinkled and tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type of pear used.

4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pears to shallow dessert bowls. Pour the wine mixture into a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Boil until slightly thickened, about 6 minutes. Drizzle over the pears and garnish with the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves and orange zest. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.

Tip: Serve this dessert with lightly sweetened ricotta cheese. Delicious hot, room temperature or chilled. Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

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• Food & Nutrition