Ingredients:

6 ripe but firm pears with stems
1 C water
1 C white white or white port
1/2 C sugar
1 tsp vanilla
dash of nutmeg
dark chocolate shavings
port or flavored port for serving

1. Carefully peel pears with peeler or knife removing thinnest layer of peel leaving stem intact.
2. Combine water, wine or white port, sugar, vanilla and nutmeg in medium pan. Simmer until sugar is dissolved.
3. Add pears to pan standing upright in liquid. Cover and cook until they can be easily pierced with a toothpick.
4. Cool and remove to bowl. Add liquid to bowl and leave at room temp to serve or refrigerate.
5. Serve on a plate with a drizzle of port or flavored port and a sprinkling of chocolate.