Ingredients: 1/2 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise 1/2 cup water 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 lb kumquats (20), ends trimmed, sliced crosswise 1/3 inch thick, and seeded 3 lb Asian pear (4 large), peeled, cored, and sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch thick Directions:1. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into water with lime juice in a small heavy saucepan, then add pod, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then simmer 3 minutes. Add kumquats and simmer, covered, until they just begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. 2. Put pears in a heatproof bowl. Pour kumquats and syrup over pears and toss gently, then cool. 3. Chill fruit, covered, at least 2 hours. |