Poached Pears

Ingredients

4 William pears, free from blemishes and bruises

Lemon juice

2 cups sugar

6 cups water

Vanilla bean, split, seeded

Method

Peel each pear from stem down. Sprinkle each pear with lemon juice to avoid browning while peeling the remaining pears.

Place 2 cups sugar and 6 cups water in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add pears and a split, seeded vanilla bean. Cover pears with a square of baking paper. Allow the pears to simmer in the liquid for 15-20 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Serve pear warm or cooled with a little poaching liquid.