Pears turn translucent in a syrup scented with orange zest and a few little stars: Place des Épices’ organic star anise, picked and sorted by hand, with an aroma more powerful than green anise, perfumes the whole pan.

Serves 4 · 40 min

  1. Bring 4 cups (1 l) water, 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar, 3 star anise pods and a strip of orange zest to a simmer.
  2. Add 4 peeled pears and poach gently for 20 to 25 minutes, until a knife slides in easily.
  3. Lift out the pears and reduce the syrup over high heat until lightly thickened.
  4. Serve the pears warm or chilled, drizzled with syrup and topped with a star anise.

The star of this recipe: Star Anise, by Place des Épices.

— Clipperton