First, prepare the pears. Peel and cut in half. Cut out the hard seed pod.

In a medium pot, combine the red wine, water, brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, star anise, and orange peel. Place the pears in the mixture, and bring to a boil.

Lower heat to a simmer, and cook pears for about 20 minutes, until soft and easily pierced with a fork but still holding their shape.

Remove from cooking liquid and set aside to cool. Once cooled, cut into thin slices. You won't need the wine but you can save it to drink as mulled wine!

Now, prepare the cake. Preheat the oven to 350F, and butter and flour an 8 inch cake pan. Set aside.

In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, gently melt the chocolate and butter until smooth and creamy.

In a medium bowl, beat together the egg yolks and sugar until a light and fluffy cream forms. Still whisking, slowly add in the melted chocolate mixture until smooth, then add in the flour.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

Add about half of the beaten egg whites to the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining whites. Finally fold in the chocolate chunks.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, then bake for about 10 minutes.

Remove the pan from oven, and place the sliced pears evenly around the edges of the cake.

Return the cake to the oven for 25-30 more minutes, until the middle no longer jiggles and the top has crackled slightly.

Serve warm and enjoy!