Poires Belle Angevine

Anjou, near the mouth of the Loire, is the home of the buttery Doyenne du Comice, queen of pears. It and many other beurré pear varieties (so called for their deliciously creamy texture) were developed centuries ago in the walled garden at the provincial capital, Angers. Not surprisingly, the robust Cabernet Franc wines so characteristic of the Loire are perfect for poaching these pears. Accompany each pear with a simple cookie.