This recipe is a happy mistake. I could not find apple cider and bought a sparkling cider instead. To my surprise, I found that it makes a brilliant syrup with no extra sugar.

3 cups sparkling apple cider

3 star anise

½ cinnamon stick

4 Bartlett pears, peeled, halved and cored

Combine cider, star anise and cinnamon stick in a pot over medium heat and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and add pears. Cover and poach gently for 10 minutes or until pears are soft. Remove pears from poaching liquid.

Reduce poaching liquid over medium for 15 minute or until slightly thickened. Pour over pears and cool. Serves 4.