Poached Pears with Star Anise

• 2 cups ruby Port
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 whole star anise*
• 3 firm Bosc pears, peeled, halved, cored
• Vanilla ice cream

1. Combine Port, sugar, 1/2 cup water and star anise in heavy large saucepan.
2. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
4. Add pears; simmer until tender and liquid is reduced to thin syrup, turning pears occasionally, about 25 minutes.
5. Cool pears in syrup.
6. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead.
7. Cover and refrigerate.)
8. Slice pears and fan on plates.
9. Drizzle syrup over.
10. Spoon ice cream alongside.

ruby port, sugar, water, star anise, vanilla ice cream

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/poached-pears-with-star-anise-103025 (may not work)