Poached Pears

• 2 medium-size (8 ounces each) underripe pears
• 1 recipe Poaching Syrup

Peel the firm pears with a vegetable peeler, following the contour of the fruit as closely as possible. (This is particularly important when you prepare fruit that will be visible, such as in a tart.) Cut each pear in half and with a paring knife or melon bailer, clean out the seed area.

Pour Poaching Syrup into a 1½-