Spiced orange poached pears

Pears gently poached in a glossy orange, cinnamon and star anise syrup. Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for a Tuesday, and vegan.

Ingredients

• 4 Pears, firm, peeled, stalks left on
• 1 Oranges, zest pared in strips and juiced
• 100 g Caster sugar
• 1 Cinnamon sticks
• 2 g Star anise, 2 stars
• 5 ml Vanilla extract
• 200 g Dairy-free yoghurt

Method

1. Put the sugar, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, star anise and vanilla in a pan that fits the pears snugly. Add 600ml water and heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Slice a thin piece off the base of each pear so it stands up, then lay them in the syrup. Cover with a circle of baking paper and simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, turning now and then, until a knife slides in easily.
3. Lift the pears into bowls. Boil the syrup for 8 to 10 minutes until it's reduced by about half and slightly syrupy.
4. Spoon the syrup over the pears and serve warm or cold with a spoonful of yoghurt.