Pears Helene

Directions

1. 1
   Bring the sugar and 1 1/4 cups water to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. 2
   Add the vanilla bean.
3. 3
   Peel the pears, leaving the stems attached, and place in the saucepan.
4. 4
   Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low.
5. 5
   Simmer the pears, turning them occasionally, about 20 minutes, until tender.
6. 6
   Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a dish and let cool.
7. 7
   Remove the vanilla bean (which can be rinsed, dried and used again) and reserve the poaching syrup.
8. 8
   To make the chocolate sauce, melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a saucepan of very hot water.
9. 9
   Heat the cream and 1/4 cup of the poaching syrup in a saucepan over medium heat until almost boiling.
10. 10
    Remove from the heat, add the chocolate, and stir until smooth.
11. 11
    Serve each pear in a shallow bowl, topped a drizzle of the sauce.
12. 12
    Serve immediately, with the rest of the sauce on the side.