PEAR SEASON

EVERY GREAT MEAL should have a sweet finish. Since I'm usually way too full for dessert, I prefer either a square of chocolate, or a tiny bit of liqueur. I love limoncello, and I'd never say no to port. But I recently tried something entirely different, entirely new. And apparently I like it. Nearly have the bottle has gone missing. Called Xante, it's a golden, pear-flavored cognac that is just so aromatic that I am tempted to dab it on my wrists. I know, better to serve it with pear crisp.
The information that came with the bottle suggested that I drink it cold, but I have yet to do that, because I just love this stuff at room temperature. If you decide to give this a try, be sure to make small pours -- it's 38 percent alcohol. Xante is imported from Sweden. It's about $35 a bottle.