Spiced pear and shallot relish

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
½cupDry red wine
½cupWater
cupSugar
¼cupFresh lemon juice
1Cinnamon stick
¼teaspoonWhole cloves
¼teaspoonWhole allspice
3Firm-ripe Bosc pears
2Shallots, minced

Directions

In a saucepan bring wine, water, sugar, and lemon juice to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Tie spices in a cheesecloth bag and add to wine syrup. Simmer syrup 5 minutes.

Peel and core pears and cut into ¼-inch dice. Poach pears in syrup at a bare simmer, uncovered, stirring once or twice, 5 minutes and discard spice bag. Remove pan from heat and stir in shallots. Relish may be made 1 week ahead and chilled, covered.

Serve relish chilled or at room temperature with poultry or pork.

Yield: 2¼ cups

Recipe courtesy of Gourmet Magazine COOKING LIVE SHOW #CL8990