Star Anise Poached Pear Pavlovas Recipe! #tipit by Vanessa Luft Star Anise Poached Pear Pavlovas Recipe! #tipitIngredients: Makes 4 mini pavlovas (5-inch diameter) whipped cream sliced almonds For the pavlovas: crisco and cornstarch (if you're using pie pans) 4 egg whites at room temperature pinch of salt 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract For the star anise poached pears: 4 pears, peeled 4 cups water ½ cup sugar 3 star anise 1 tablespoon lemon juice For the chocolate ganache: 3 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped ¼ cup heavy creamDirections For the pavlovas: If you're using pie pans, grease them lightly and dust with cornstarch. Head on over to Ina Garten* for instructions as to how to make the meringue shells. For the star anise poached pears: Put all ingredients into a pot. Bring the liquid to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Take the pears out and let them cool to room temperature.While the pears cool, make the ganache: Bring the cream to a boil, then remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate. Let the mix sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Set aside. Cut the pears, starting about 1 inch from the stem, down through the base. Fan the slices out a little bit. Right before serving, spread whipped cream onto the meringue shells. Set a pear onto each pavlova. Drizzle chocolate ganache over the pears. Sprinkle with almonds.* http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/mixed-berry-pavlova-recipe.html