1. Cut each pear in half and use a melon baller to remove core. Place pear halves in a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Add orange slices and mulling spices. In a bowl, stir together Chianti and brown sugar; pour over pears. Add orange juice or water (optional)
2. Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat setting for 6-8 hours or until pears can be easily pierced with a fork.
Excerpted from the book, Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cocktail Time, by Sandra Lee