POACHED PEARS WITH GRAND MARNIER CUSTARD SAUCE

Steps:

• Make Grand Marnier Custard Sauce.
• For pears: Squeeze juice from 1 ½ of the lemons; measure and reserve 3 tblsps of the juice.
• Add remaining juice to large bowl of cold water.
• Using corer or small, thin-bladed knife, core one pear, leaving stem intact, through the blossom end.
• Pare and place in acidulated water.
• Repeat with remaining pears.
• Mix 3 cups water and sugar in saucepan large enough to hold all the pears.
• Heat, stirring frequently, over medium heat until sugar dissolves and liquid begins to boil.
• Stir in reserved lemon juice.
• Drain pears and place in simmering syrup.
• Cook uncovered, turning carefully occasionally, over medium heat until tender, 35-45 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Cut 4 very thin slices from remaining lemon half.
• Add vanilla and lemon slices to poaching liquid.
• Cool to room temperature.
• Refrigerate, covered, until cold.
• Remove pears with slotted spoon to individual dessert plates; spoon custard sauce over pears; garnish with orange zest.