Vanilla, Orange & Cinnamon Poached Pears

Step 1: In a saucepan add first 3 ingredients (-cinnamon sticks).

Step 2: Remove the peel from the oranges and add to pan.

Step 3: Cut the oranges in half; squeeze 3/4 cup juice from oranges and add to pan.

Step 4: Cut vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pan and then add the bean. Bring the while mixture to a boil over medium high heat, stirring often. Place pears in the syrup; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon transfer pears to a bowl. Boil syrup over highest until reduced to 2 cups (20-30 minutes). *** At this point the pears and syrup can be refrigerated for up to 2 days -- cover separately -- and rewarm before continuing.

Step 5: Divide pears among plates and top with ice cream if desired and drizzle the warm syrup over all.