red pears
ground nutmeg, for sprinkling
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp. vanilla
4 tbsp. granulated sugar
natural vanilla bean ice cream, for serving

Cut each pear in half, remove core and stem. Sprinkle lightly with ground nutmeg.

Mix water, vanilla and sugar - stir well.

Place pears in steamer, pour 1-2 teaspoons of sugar/vanilla mixture over each pear and cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes. Test that pears are tender thru to the skin. Baste every few minutes with sugar/vanilla mixture (keep core area filled).

Remove pears and serve with a scoop of ice cream. Garnish with anything pretty - mint, pansy, slice of orange.

Prep time is about 5 minutes, cooking time about 20 to 30 minutes.

Submitted by: Willie Peet