COLD SOUP: Since a good variety of pears are available the year round, this pear soup can be enjoyed at any time.

PEAR SOUP:

7 pears                                                            

4 cups water

1 cup dry white wine                                      

½ cup sugar

grated rind of 1 lemon                                    

2 cups 10% cream

¼ cup pear liqueur                                          

salt to taste

Peel, core and quarter 6 pears. Reserve the remaining pear. Simmer pears in a saucepan with water, wine, sugar and lemon rind, until soft, about 15 minutes.  Remove from heat and cool.  Puree pears and liquid in a food processor or blender, or use a hand blender to do the job. Stir in cream, pear liqueur and salt. 

Transfer soup to a large glass bowl, cover and chill 2 to 3 hours.

Peel, core and finely dice remaining pear. Pour soup into chilled serving bowls. Divide diced pears between servings and fold into soup to serve.