8 firm, ripe pears
1-2 c. flavorful red wine
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 c. sugar
1 stick cinnamon
Zest of 1 lemon
1 vanilla bean

In a pan large enough to hold 8 pears, combine wine, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest and vanilla bean. Carefully peel pears, without removing stems and place pears into wine mixture. Add enough water to cover pears. Place a plate on top of pears to keep them immersed. Simmer slowly until just tender, about 10 to 20 minutes. Remove pears to serving dish. Rapidly boil down the liquid to about 1 cup, making a thick wine sauce. Pour sauce over pears. Serve cold or cool.