Winter entertaining can be fun- especially if one makes a delicious, cozy stew with lots of crusty bread and red wine! I love serving a big plate of cheese before hand and like to make a fresh compote to complement the cheeses. I made this one with pears which are in season. I added some smoked paprika and chipotle pepper to make them a bit spicy….. delicious!!!

• 2 Bosc pears, diced
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper powder
• ½ cup cilantro

Transfer the pears, apple cider, vinegar, honey, salt, paprika and chipotle powder to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer on low for about 15 minutes or till most of the liquid has evaporated. Let cool and add cilantro. Check for seasonings and serve with cheese and crackers.