Method

1. Peel and core the pears but try to keep the stem and any leaves on the stem for appearance. Reserve peel and cores.
2. Place pears in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Halve the lemon, squeeze it then throw the peal and juice into the saucepan. Add all the other ingredients.
3. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise but don\u2019t scrape out the seeds \u2013 let them come out naturally. And don\u2019t dissolve the sugar by stirring, let it dissolve naturally through cooking. If the liquid does not cover the pears, add water. Then put a small lid or plate over the pears to submerge them if necessary.
4. Place over high heat, bring to the boil then reduce heat to simmer.
5. When the pears have softened, remove them.
6. Add the pear peel and cores to the syrup and bring to a steady simmer.
7. Reduce until it reaches a nice viscous consistency. Strain syrup onto pears and refrigerate, serve cool.
8. Credit: Chef David Tsirekas