Poached Pears

• Fresh pears, one per person  (or any fruit, actually, that you want to poach)
• Sugar, 1/4 cup
• Water, 3/4 to 1 cup
• Port wine, Sherry, or other wine/liquor, 1/4 cup
• Splash of lemon juice (for pears or apples)

This is a great exercise in starting with something really really easy, then gettin' crazy every subsequent try.  Peel and core the pears or whatever fruit you're using. I like to peel the pears and leave the stem on, and cut a flat base on the bottom...kinda looks cool for presentation.

Bring the fruit and syrup (sugar and all liquids) to the boiling point, then simmer, covered, until the fruit is tender, about 20 minutes or so.

Now, either serve hot as is, or cool in the refrigerator.  You can serve it with ice cream, or top with Basic Chocolate Sauce.