Poached Pears

- Firm Pears ( I used the bosc variety) Peeled and cored, sliced, halved or whole.

- Enough water to fill saucepan

- 1 cup sugar

- Vanilla bean

- Cinnamon stick, Star anise, Slices of Ginger, Allspice berries, peppercorns, whole cloves.

Or instead of the above you could throw in a dash of chinese 5 spice and a cinnamon stick and whole cloves or ground of either.

Set the pears in the liquid and bring to a low boil/gentle simmer and allow to poach for 15-25 mins.

To prevent pears from floating place a round piece of parchment on top of the liquid to fit inside the pot, and cut a hole inside so it's like a donut to prevent steam buildup.

When they're tender remove from heat and serve warm with a dessert or on ice cream.

Here I served it with a creme brulee ice cream.

Store the pears in the fridge in some of the liquid and store the rest for drinks, it is very flavourful but strain out the spices.

Enjoy!