PEARS POACHED IN COFFEE

Pears Poached in Coffee
Six servings

6 firm-ripe pears with stems
2 cups leftover coffee
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Coffee-flavored liqueur, optional

Remove cores from pears from the bottom using a melon baller or small, sharp spoon. Peel pears leaving stem intact.
Heat coffee and sugar in large non aluminum saucepan until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to simmer. Add pears; simmer, covered, until pears are tender but not soft, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Transfer the pears to a bowl. Cook the syrup until reduced to about 2/ 3 cup, then combine it with the pears. Cool. The liquid should get syrupy. Add liqueur if desired.
Serve in small, deep dishes with some of the syrup. If desired, serve a small scoop of burnt caramel or coffee ice cream alongside pear.