Instructions: Peel the pears without removing the stems, and place them in a deep saucepan. In another saucepan, bring the wine, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, vanilla bean, and enough water to cover the pears to a boil. Pour the liquid over the pears, and simmer slowly until just tender, 10 to 20 minutes.

Remove the pears carefully, and place in a serving dish, stems up. Rapidly boil down the liquid to about 1 cup, and pour over the pears. Garnish each with a candied violet and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve cool or cold.

This recipe yields 8 servings.

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