Gilded Champagne-Poached Pears RecipeIngredients 6 firm pears, peeled and with the stems in3 cups champagne3 cups water1 cinnamon stickZest and juice of ½ lemonZest and juice of 1 orange1 cup apricot jam½ cup white sugar23k Edible Gold LeafDirectionsPeel and trim the pears to make them flat in the bottom so they will be standing while cooking and in the plate when you serve them.In a large cooking pot or saucepan heat champagne and water, cinnamon, lemon juice and zest, orange juice and zest, and the apricot jam and the sugar. Bring to a boil. Place the pears carefully, trying to keep them standing upright.Cook uncovered for 15 to 25 minutes until they become tender, cooked but not overly soft, then remove and place on a platter. Let cool and cover with transparent film. Reserve the liquid by straining it into a different pot.Boil at low heat to evaporate it and reduce to almost half and achieves a syrup texture.Plate the pears, drizzle with the champagne syrup and sprinkle with caramelized nuts. Decorate with edible gold paper.This recipe is found in:Recipes by Course or Meal: DessertRecipes by Occasion: Thanksgiving Recipes, Holiday Recipes, Valentine's Day RecipesRecipes by Season: Winter Recipes