Pears in White Wine with Chocolate Sauce

6 large pears, peeled and left whole
1.3 pts (75cl) vegan white wine
4 oz (115g) sugar
4 cloves
1 cardamom, seeds removed
Pared lemon peel
1 vanilla pod

Chocolate sauce
4 oz (115g) plain chocolate
2 tablespoons golden syrup
4 fl oz (110 ml) water

1. Put the pears in a pan with the remaining ingredients. Add water if necessary, to cover, bring to boil and simmer uncovered for an hour or until tender but still hold their shape.
2. Lift out and put in a bowl. Reduce the syrup, then pour over the pears.
3. Melt all the chocolate sauce ingredients gently together. Place pears in individual bowls, drizzle over chocolate sauce and serve. Serves 6.

Recipe from Green Cuisine: Favourite Restaurant Dishes, by Daphne Lambert.