Vanilla Bean Poached Pears

By Hklbrries

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 to 3 strips lemon peel
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1 whole star anise
• 4 Bartlett or Anjou pears, ripe but firm
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

In a deep straight-sided, nonreactive saucepan, combine water, sugar, lemon peel, vanilla bean pod and seeds, and star anise. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Meanwhile, peel pears, leaving the stem intact. Cut just enough off the bottom of each pear to make it flat, creating a stable base.

Reduce the heat under the poaching liquid to a simmer and add the pears. It is okay to lay them on their sides. Cook the pears, gently turning occasionally, until just tender when pierced with a knife, about 6 to 9 minutes.

Let pears cool completely in the poaching liquid. Remove from the pan and stand each pear upright in a dessert glass.

Return the poaching liquid to the stovetop, bring to a boil and reduce until it coats the back of a spoon. Strain the sauce and set aside.

Add a scoop of ice cream to each pear and drizzle the sauce over the top. Serve immediately.