6 med. size ripe pears
1 c. unsweetened orange juice
1/3 c. Grand Marnier
1/2 tsp. grated orange rind
2 tsp. cornstarch
3 tbsp. water
Orange rind strips (optional)

Peel pears and core from bottom, cutting to but not through stem end. Combine orange juice, liqueur and orange rind in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Place pears, stem end up, in Dutch oven, baste pears with juice mixture. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until pears are tender. Remove pears with a slotted spoon, place in dessert dishes and set aside. Combine cornstarch and water, stir well. Add cornstarch mixture to juice mixture, cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Pour orange sauce over pears evenly. Garnish each serving with a strip of orange rind, if desired. Yield 6 servings (62 calories per serving).