Pear-Vanilla Ice
This is a lovely “palate cleanser” or intermezzo course when serving a sumptuous feast. It’s also perfect as a light dessert.

1 cup sugar
2 ripe pears, peeled and cored
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Pear slices and fresh mint for garnish

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, 1 cup water and vanilla bean. Cook over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Pour the syrup into a bowl and let cool.

In a food processor, combine the pears and lemon juice. Purée until smooth, about 2 minutes. With the machine on, pour in syrup (with the vanilla bean removed).

Pour into an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions*.

Serve garnished with pear slices and mint.

*If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour into a shallow pan and place in freezer until frozen. When frozen, run mixture through the food processor until smooth and serve.

Makes about 3 cups