Ingredients

3 bosc pears, peeled
½ cup sugar 
3 cups water 
Zest of one lemon 
2 cinnamon sticks 
1 star anise 
1 tbsp vanilla extract 
Optional: Store-bought caramel sauce– add a pinch of flaky salt, vanilla ice cream. 

Directions

  • Mix together the sugar, water, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and vanilla extract in a heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Keep stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

  • Add the pears into the poaching liquid, cover, then cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes.

  • Serve immediately with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.