Star Anise Poached Pears

• 2 tablespoons water, plus
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 whole star anise
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 vanilla bean, cut cross wise in length
• 4 medium firm but ripe Anjou pears, peeled, quartered, cored

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.

water, water, sugar, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla bean, pears

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/star-anise-poached-pears-93668 (may not work)