Step 1

In a large pot, heat water and sugar until sugar is dissolved.

Step 2

Place the cinnamon sticks, orange, and pears in the water.

Step 3

Cut a circle of parchment paper large enough to fit in the pot on top of the pears. Cut a small circle in the middle for venting and place it on top of the pears in the water.

Step 4

Keep water at a very gentle simmer and cook until the pears can be easily pierced through with a knife, about 20 minutes (more or less, depending on the size, variety, and firmness of the pears).

Step 5

Let pears cool in their liquid.

Step 6

Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, vanilla crème anglaise, salted caramel sauce or however you wish!

Step 7

Store pears in their liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.