Instructions: Toast almonds on oven tray in 375 degrees oven about 5 minutes. Drain pears, reserve 3/4 cup liquid for Chocolate Sauce. Place pears cut side down in single layer in ovenproof dish. Beat egg whites in small bowl with electric mixer until soft peaks form, add sugar, beat until dissolved. Coat each pear with meringue, bake in 375 degrees oven 10 minutes or until light golden brown.

Serve 2 to 3 pears per person, pour Chocolate Sauce around pears, sprinkle with toasted almonds.

Chocolate Sauce: Place cocoa, wine, and 1/2 cup of the reserved liquid in pan, heat until almost boiling. Blend cornstarch with remaining reserved liquid, add to sauce, stir until sauce boils and thickens slightly.

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