Honey-Poached Pear with Greek Yogurt and Toasted Walnuts

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup plus 4 teaspoons honey, divided

2 cups of sugar

½ slice lemon

3 black peppercorns

½ vanilla bean, split lengthwise

2 large Bartlett pears

½ lemon

½ cup Greek yoghurt

½ cup toasted walnut pieces

½ teaspoon melted butter

Sea Salt

1.     Combine 4 cups water, ½ cup of the honey, the sugar, lemon slice and peppercorns in a large saucepan. Using a knife, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add to the mixture. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

2.     Add the pears and simmer until they are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and lift pears into a glass bowl, then pour over the juices. Let cool to warm. Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.

3.     When you are ready to serve, remove the peel and stem from the pears. Halve each pear lengthwise and remove any seeds, if necessary. Cut each pear half into 4 wedges (I sliced it).

4.     Arrange pear on a plate and squeeze a few drops of lemon juice over them. Spoon some yogurt on the pears or the plate. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of the honey over the yogurt and around the pears on the plate. Repeat with the three remaining plates. Toss the toasted walnuts with the melted butter and light sprinkling of sea salt, and then scatter the walnuts evenly over the plates. Serve immediately.