Poached Pears with Vanilla Sauce

Name: Poached Pears with Vanilla Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 2-1/3 cups sugar, divided; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 10 cups water, divided; 2 tablespoons lemon juice, divided; 6 medium firm pears, stems attached; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches); 3 whole cloves

This dessert is a great ending to a special-occasion meal. Whole pears are lightly spiced and chilled, then served with a heavenly custard sauce.—Al Latimer, Bentonville, Arizona

Ingredients

2-1/3 cups sugar, divided
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 cups water, divided
2 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
6 medium firm pears, stems attached
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
3 whole cloves

Directions

In a heavy 2-qt. saucepan, combine 1/3 cup sugar and cornstarch; gradually stir in milk and cream until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Gradually add a small amount of hot mixture to egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Cook and stir over medium-low heat for 15 minutes or until mixture thickens slightly (do not boil). Stir in vanilla. Pour into a bowl; place a piece of waxed paper or plastic wrap on top of sauce. Cover and refrigerate.
In a large bowl, combine 6 cups water and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Carefully peel pears, leaving stems attached. Immediately plunge pears into lemon water. In a large saucepan, combine lemon zest, and the remaining sugar, water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Add cinnamon stick, cloves and pears. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until pears are tender.
Carefully remove pears to a plate. Discard cinnamon stick and cloves. Drizzle syrup over pears. Loosely cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. To serve, place pears on dessert plates; drizzle with chilled vanilla sauce.