The ultimate in class and taste. Serve with sweetened whipped cream flavored with vanilla and Grand Marnier.

Elegant Poached Pears

1/2 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne 1 cup orange juice 1/2 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated 4 slices orange 4 whole cloves 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 pears, peeled with stems intact 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine champagne, orange juice and SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener. Add orange slices, cloves and vanilla. Bring to a boil, and stir until sugar is dissolved. Place pears in saucepan, and reduce heat. Cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove cover, and simmer an additional 30 minutes. Remove pears from the liquid, and let cool.
Heat chocolate in a bowl over hot water, stirring until melted. Pour chocolate over the pears, and serve.

Makes 4 servings. Serving Size: 1 poached pear, 2 1/2 tablespoons chocolate
Preparation Time: 1 Hour
Total Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

Note: For dietary purposes, please note that this recipe contains alcohol.

Recipe courtesy of Splenda, Inc. Splenda® is a no-calorie sweetener made from sugar that is suitable for diabetics. For more information regarding this product, please call 1-800-777-5363 or visit their website at www.splenda.com.