Vanilla - Cider Poached Pears

• 4 pears, firm, cored and peeled (D'Anjou or Bosc)
• 2 quarts apple cider, organic
• 1 vanilla bean, split and quartered
• 2 oranges, organic, juiced, peeled, chopped (pith removed)
• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate

1. Cut pears in half lengthwise and place them in one layer in a pan.
2. Cover with cider (start with 3 cups).
3. Add vanilla bean and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook until barely tender (8 to 10 minutes- time will vary depending on ripeness of pears)- test with wooden skewer.
5. Allow pears to cool in the cider (refrigerate overnight if you wish).
6. Thinly slice orange peel, removing all white pith.
7. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave over low heat, stir in peel and stir to coat.
8. Arrange to dry on a rack or plate.
9. At serving time, serve each pear in a bowl with fresh orange juice and a sprinkle of candied peel.

apple cider, vanilla bean, oranges, bittersweet chocolate

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/vanilla-cider-poached-pears-81560 (may not work)