Spiced Pear and Shallot Relish

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon whole allspice
• 3 firm-ripe Bosc pears
• 2 shallots
• minced

Instructions

1. In a saucepan bring wine, water, sugar, and lemon juice to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
2. Tie spices in a cheesecloth bag and add to wine syrup.
3. Simmer syrup 5 minutes.
4. Peel and core pears and cut in 1/4-inch dice.
5. Poach pears in syrup at a bare simmer, uncovered, stirring once or twice, 5 minutes and discard spice bag.
6. Remove pan from heat and stir in shallots.
7. Relish may be made 1 week ahead and chilled, covered.
8. Serve relish chilled or at room temperature with poultry or pork.