4 ripe, firm unblemished pears (Bartlett)
2 1/2 c. sugar
2 1/4 c. water
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 c. chocolate sauce
1/4 c. toasted slivered almonds

Remove the core and stem from each of the pears. Peel the pears. Cut the pears in half lengthwise using a melon ball cutter. Remove the center core. Cut away the bottom center line leading from the core to the stem end. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer 5 minutes. Add the pears and vanilla and simmer, uncovered until the pears are tender, about 15 minutes.

Remove the pears from the heat and let them cool in the syrup. Place one scoop of ice cream in the pear, then the sauce over it. Top with almonds.

When I first started dating, I had a boyfriend that was very wealthy, he ran his Father's business since his father passed away. He had money to spend not like the other fellows that were still going to school. He took me to the most expensive wonderful restaurants. Perhaps that was my introduction to fine food. When I first ate this dessert, I thought I was in heaven.