Instructions

1. Peel the pears with a vegetable peeler or paring knife and cut them in half. Use a melon baller or spoon to dig out the core. Use a small paring knife to remove the fibrous part of the core that extends to the stem, leaving the stem intact.
2. Combine the wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean and cloves in a heavy saucepan. Bring the mixture to a low simmer while stirring to dissolve sugar.
3. Add the pears to the saucepan. Cut a piece of parchment paper into a circle that will fit in the saucepan. Place the parchment round directly on the surface of the liquid and pears. This will keep the pears submerged in the liquid.
4. Over low heat, poach the pears for 20 to 30 minutes or until a knife is easily inserted into a pear. Remove the pears from the heat and allow them to cool to room temperature in their liquid. Chill until cold, turning occasionally, at least 8 hours and up to 24.
5. Before serving, combine mascarpone and honey. Spoon into pears and serve.