Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar 2 tablespoons water, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick and vanilla bean in a heavy large saucepan.
  2. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves.
  3. Increase heat and boil with out stirring until syrup turns a deep amber color, occasionally brushing down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 9 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat add 1 1/4 cups of water (the mixture will bubble vigorously).
  5. Bring to a simmer, stirring until pieces of caramel dissolve.
  6. Add pears, cover and simmer until tender, turning pears once about 5 minutes.
  7. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pears to bowl.
  8. Boil liquid in sauce pan until thick and syrupy, about 5 minutes.
  9. Pour syrup over pears toss gently to coat.
  10. Chill until cold.
  11. Serve cold.