Poached Pears in Vanilla and Champagne

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 vanilla bean
• 2 quarts champagne
• 4 to 6 pears, peeled

Directions

In a sauce pot combine the sugar and water together and boil for 2 to 3 minutes thus creating a simple syrup. Split the vanilla bean in half, scraping the inside to remove the pulp. Add the champagne and vanilla to the simple syrup. Bring to a simmer and add the pears. Poach until tender-- about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and cool.