Crock Pot Maple-Sauced Pears

Peel pears.

Core pears from bottom, leaving stems attached.

Place pears upright in slow cooker.

Mix remaining ingredients except cornstarch and orange juice; pour over pears.

Cover and cook on high heat setting 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until tender.

Remove pears from cooker; place upright in serving dish or individual dessert dishes.

Mix cornstarch and orange juice; stir into sauce in cooker.

Cover and cook on high heat setting about 10 minutes or until sauce is thickened.

Spoon sauce over pears.

**Use 1/4 cup honey instead of the maple syrup for a change of pace.