6 firm pears, Comice
1/2 c. sugar, may need more
1 qt. red wine
Strip of lemon rind
Piece of cinnamon stick
2 tbsp. pear brandy (optional)

Put sugar, wine, lemon rind and cinnamon stick in saucepan that will hold pears up right. Heat until sugar is dissolved, boil 5 minutes. Let cool slightly. Peel pears and core from the base, leaving the stem. Cut thin slice from bottom so pears stand upright. Place pears in syrup, adding water if necessary, to cover them. Cover and poach over low heat, 20 to 45 minutes until tender. Cool in syrup. Remove pears to serving dish. Strain syrup and reduce over high heat until thick enough to coat spoon. Add sugar to taste. Cool and spoon over pears. Chill. Add brandy just before serving.