Spiced Pear Salad(Makes 8 Servings) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. orange juice
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
dash of ground cloves
4 ripe, but firm Bartlett pears, cored and halved lengthwise (peel only if desired)
1 (8 oz.) pkg. low-fat cream cheese
1/4 to 1/3 c. finely chopped pecans
bibb or Boston lettuce leaves

Preparation

In a 10-inch skillet or wide saucepan, combine brown sugar, orange juice, vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat.
Add pear halves.
Cover and simmer 5 to 6 minutes, or until pears are tender.
Remove from heat.
Transfer pears carefully to a storage dish and pour poaching liquid over them.
Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.