Red Wine and Vanilla Balsamic Poached Pears

For The Pears 
4 medium, firm pears such as Bosc or D'Anjou peeled, cored and halved
A bottle of fruity red wine such as Malbec or Pinot
1 cup Drizzle Vanilla Balsamic 
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup granulated sugar

For The Mascarpone 
1 8oz. container mascarpone
2 tablespoons heavy cream 
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


In a medium, heavy saucepan mix the red wine, balsamic, sugar, cinnamon stick and star anise.  Bring to a simmer and reduce by 1/3 (about 15 minutes).  Place the pear halves in to the hot poaching liquid and simmer for 25 minutes or until the pear halves are vivid red and tender when pierced with a knife tip.  Chill the pears in the poaching liquid.  Meanwhile, make the honey-mascarpone.  Using a stand mixer or in a medium mixing bowl, whip the mascarpone, honey and cinnamon together until light and airy.  Serve the chilled pears with a dollop of mascarpone.    

Courtesy Rachel Bradley