Pear & Star Anise Cobbler Serves 8

Peel pears, core and cut into vertical quarters. Toss w lemon juice. Set aside. In large saucepan, bring water, 1 c sugar, vanilla bean, star anise, bay leaves, and lemon peel to boil, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and gently simmer for 10 min. Add pears, cover and simmer of 10 min more, gently stirring every 2 min to ensure even cooking. Remove from heat, remove pears, cover and strain syrup. When cool, place pears and syrup in 8×12 inch or 10 x 10 inch baking pan. Preheat oven to 375. In bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Add the cream and vanilla, mixing with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until dough comes together. Gently knead the dough. Place on a floured work surface and roll out to 1/4 inch. Cut dough into 2 inch circles and place on top of fruit. Brush dough w melted butter. Bake 40 min or until golden brown. Serve warm w whipped cream or ice cream.

Pears 9 firmly ripe Bartletts
Lemon Juice, Fresh 1 lemon
Water 2c
Sugar 1.25c
Vanilla 1 bean, cut in half
Anise 4 star
Bay Leaves 3
Lemon Zest 2 strips 3″ x 1/2″
Flour 1.25c
Baking Powder 2 tsp
Salt 0.25 tsp
Butter 6 T cold unsalted, cubed
Heavy Cream 0.67c
Vanilla 1 tsp extract
Butter 2 T melted