CHOCOLATE CHIP PEARS

Chocolate Chip Pears

4 pears
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate pieces

Core pears from the bottom end, leaving the stems intact. Using a vegetable peeler, peel strips at 1/2-inch intervals, starting at the top. If necessary, cut a thin slice from bottoms to help the pears stand upright.

Place pears on their side in a 2-quart square baking dish. Stir together lemon juice, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Brush onto pears. Pour any extra mixture over pears.

Bake, covered, at 375 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until pears are tender. Uncover; spoon extra liquid over pears.

To serve, place warm pears upright on plates, then hold each pear by the stem and tip slightly to sprinkle sides of each pear with 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate pieces, turning the pears as you sprinkle.

Makes 4 servings.