Ingredients:
4 pears, firm, cored and peeled ( D’Anjou or Bosc)
2 quarts apple cider, organic
1 vanilla beans, split and quartered
2 oranges, organic, juiced, peeled, chopped ( pith removed)
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
Directions:
Cut pears in half lengthwise and place them in one layer in a pan.
Cover with cider (start with 3 cups).
Add vanilla bean and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low and cook until barely tender (8 to 10 minutes- time will vary depending on ripeness of pears)- test with wooden skewer.
Allow pears to cool in the cider (refrigerate overnight if you wish).
Thinly slice orange peel, removing all white pith.
Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave over low heat, stir in peel and stir to coat.
Arrange to dry on a rack or plate.
At serving time, serve each pear in a bowl with fresh orange juice and a sprinkle of candied peel.
Servings: 4
Time preparation: 15 min.
Time total: 30 min.