peel pears
if using for a dinner party, leave the pears whole for wow factor, if you will puree it later anyways, just slice the pears now
place all ingredients into the pot, simmer over low heat until liquid darkens and thickens, (if using whole pears, spoon liquid over them and rotate them so they stay coated) let everything simmer for at least 30 minutes
strain liquid through a sieve and pour over pears to serve, or strain liquid and then puree with the pears.