Hibiscus & Honey Poached Pears

dried hibiscus flowers (or hibiscus-based herbal tea bags), lemon, star anise, cinnamon stick, honey, pears, sugar, crème fraîche (optional)

Fill a large pot with water and add ½ cup hibiscus flowers (or 3 tea bags), the peeled zest and juice of 1 lemon, 4 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick and 2 tablespoons honey. Peel 4 firm pears and add to the pot. Simmer for 25 minutes until tender. Take 3 cups poaching liquid, place in a small pot and add ½ cup sugar. Simmer until reduced by half. Drizzle syrup over pears and serve with crème fraîche on the side, if desired. Serves 4