Winter Fruit Salad

Directions

1. 1
   Fill a medium saucepan with 5 cups water.
2. 2
   Add the sugar, star anise, vanilla bean and lemon zest.
3. 3
   Bring to a boil, and cook until all the sugar is dissolved.
4. 4
   Then shut off the heat.
5. 5
   Meanwhile, peel and core pears and apple.
6. 6
   Slice thinly lengthwise and place in a large heatproof bowl.
7. 7
   Add apricots and figs.
8. 8
   Pour hot sugar syrup on top, making sure all the fruit is covered.
9. 9
   Cover bowl with plastic wrap; poke a few holes in plastic.
10. 10
    Chill overnight in refrigerator.
11. 11
    The next morning, using a slotted spoon ladle fruit into a serving bowl and serve.