Poached Pears

Procedure

1. Combine the water and sugar in a trunnion kettle or large saucepot. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and add the vanilla.
3. Peel the pears. Cut them in half and remove the cores with a melon ball cutter.
4. Add the pears to the syrup and simmer very slowly until just tender.
5. Le