Poached Pears

• 4 fresh pears
• 2 tablespoons dried, pitted tart cherries (optional)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 sticks of cinnamon
• 6 star anise
• ½ teaspoon whole cloves

1. In a mixing bowl, put ice in it until it is about 1/3 full of ice and then run cold water in it until it is 2/3 full.
2. In a two-quart pan, fill 2/3 full of water and bring to a boil.
3. Plunge the washed pears in the boiling water for 20 seconds, making sure that all sides get covered.
4. With tongs remove the pears, and plunge into the ice water.
5. Remove the pears one by one, and peel.
6. Half the pears, and remove the cores.
7. Rinse out the pan that you boiled the water in and use it to make the poaching liquid.
8. Add the sugar and water to the pan.
9. Add all the spices and vanilla.
10. Stir until smooth.
11. Add the pears and heat about thirty minutes under a medium low heat, stirring often.
12. Serve the pears with a slotted spoon, avoiding the anise, cloves, and cinnamon. You can refrigerate any leftovers in the poaching liquid and the flavors will intensify.
13. Enjoy.