Diabetic-friendly poached spiced pears

1. Place peppercorns, star anise and cardamom in a mortar and crush lightly with a pestle.
   
2. Combine juice, wine, lemon zest and juice, crushed spices, cinnamon stick and vanilla in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat and add pears. Simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes or until tender. Cool pears in syrup.
   
3. Remove pears from syrup. Set aside. Strain syrup into a jug. Reserve half the syrup (see tip). Pour remaining syrup into a saucepan with sugar. Heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until syrup thickens. Serve pears hot or cold with syrup.

• The cooking time will depend on the size and ripeness of the pear. Any type of pear in season may be used in this recipe.
  
• Chill remaining syrup and top it with soda water for a refreshing drink, or drizzle it over fruit salad.