Additions: One cinnamon stick, 2 teaspoons whole cloves, black peppercorns or allspice berries, one lemon half, one split vanilla bean, 2-3 star anise, 6-8 fresh ginger slices
Directions
1. In a large saucepan, heat the water and sugar until warm and the sugar is dissolved. Add any of the additions that you wish. 2. Slide in the pears and cover with a round of parchment paper, with a small hole cut in the center. 3. Keep the liquid at a very low boil and simmer the pears until cooked through, 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the pears. 4. Remove from heat and let the pears cool in their liquid.
