The usual way to poach pears is in Red Wine. It's pretty easy. Here's one recipe for you:
quarter pint of water, same of red wine, 4oz sugar, tablespoon on redcurrant jelly, pared rind of lemon, pinch of cinnamon or cinnamon stick. 4 firm pears.
Place the water, wine, sugar and jelly in a pan and heat gently until sugar has dissolved. Add lemon and cinnamon.
Peel pears (leave stalks) place upright in the pan and cover with lid. The pears should be covered by the liquid so use a narrow pan. If not poss turn them during cooking.
Bring mixture to the boil the simmer for at least 20 mins. The pears will turn deep crimson and be tender. The longer and slower they cook the better.
(You can cook them overnight in a very low oven)
Take the pears out and place in a glass bowl. Reduce the wine liquid by rapid boiling until syrupy and strain over pears. Cool. Chill.
You can sprinkle them with nuts if you like and serve with cream. I usually make them the day before. If you don't drink alcohol, remember that it's boiled away as the liquid simmers. Good luck. Hope you enjoy the mea. Bizzylizzy.