Instructions: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, 1 cup water and vanilla bean. Cook over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Pour the syrup into a bowl and let cool.

In a food processor, combine the pears and lemon juice. Puree until smooth, about 2 minutes. With the machine on, pour in syrup (with the vanilla bean removed).

Pour into an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturers instructions. If you dont have an ice cream maker, pour into a shallow pan and place in freezer until frozen. When frozen, run mixture through the food processor until smooth and serve. Garnish with pear slices and mint.

Makes about 3 cups.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.