Serves 4

For an extra treat, add a dollop of plain yogurt or vanilla ice cream before serving.

3 cups water

1½ cups cranberry juice

¾ cup sugar

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 Asian pears, cored and halved

• In a large pot, bring all the ingredients except the pears to a boil.

• Add the pears. Simmer, turning occasionally until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Remove the pears with a slotted spoon and place in individual serving dishes.

• Continue to simmer the syrup until it thickens and lightly coats the back of a spoon. Pour the sauce over the pears. Serve warm or chilled.