Anise Pear Compote Served With Ricotta-Raisins Mousse

• For the Anise Pear Compote
• 1/2 cup sugar or honey
• 3/4 cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 1 Star Anise or 1/4 teaspoon anise seeds, crushed
• 1 long or 2 short cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 3 large firm ripe pears (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• Segments from 1 large orange
• Segments from 1 grapefruit
• 3/4 cup seedless grapes
• For Ricotta-Raisin Mousse
• 2 cups fresh whole milk ricotta, drained
• 2 tablespoons of the compote syrup to thin a little out ricotta
• 1/2 cup golden raisins soaked in pear brandy or any brandy or dark rum (about 2 tablespoons); then well drained in a strainer over a small bowl
• 2 teaspoons orange or lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar, divided
• 1 cup organic heavy whipping cream, chilled

1. To make the compote: In a medium- size pan, bring sugar, wine, anise, cinnamon and salt to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer.
2. Peel, core and quarter pears. Place in hot syrup, cover, and simmer until barely tender when pierced (about 6 to 10 minutes) depending on the ripeness of pears; cool.
3. With a sharp knife, peel orange and grapefruit, lift out segments.rnAdd orange and grapefruit segments, and grapes to pears; mix in gently. Chill before serving.
4. To make the Ricotta-Raisins Mousse: Blend the ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of compote syrup in a blender or food processor until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl; mix in zest and raisins.
5. In a separate bowl, using an electric hand mixer beat the cream until thick. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and continue to beat until the cream holds stiff peaks.
6. Carefully, in three portions, fold the cream into the ricotta mixture. Spoon mousse into serving bowls and refrigerate until ready to serve.

sugar, white wine, anise, long, lemon juice, lemon zest, coarse salt, firm ripe pears, orange, grapes, mousse, milk ricotta, syrup, golden raisins, orange, vanilla, powdered sugar, whipping cream

Taken from food52.com/recipes/14455-anise-pear-compote-served-with-ricotta-raisins-mousse (may not work)