Pears poached in white wine with honey, star anise and cinnamon

1. Stir together the white wine, water, cinnamon stick, star anise, vanilla bean, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
 
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat and add the prepared pears. Poach the pears, uncovered, for 7 to 9 minutes, until they turn tender, but not mushy.

3. Use a large slotted spoon to transfer the pears onto a serving plate.

4. Strain the cooking liquor through a sieve and place 500 ml of the liquid back in the pan to make the syrup, discard the rest.

5. Return the poaching liquid to a simmer, add the sugar and honey, and allow the mixture to reduce by 2 thirds, which will take about 10 to 15 minutes.

6. The syrup is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

7. Arrange the pears on individual serving plates and drizzle with the wine syrup.

Chef tip

Serve the pears with Greek yoghurt or low fat crème fraiche for a more luxurious taste
Substitute the sugar with the equivalent measure of artificial sweetener for an even healthier option