Makes 4 servings.
• 4 ripe Bartlett pears, peeled and cored
• 2-1/2 cups sugar
• 2-1/2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup chocolate sauce
• 1/4 cup toasted, slivered almonds
Cut pears in half lengthwise. Put sugar and water into a saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla, add pears, and simmer another 15 minutes, until pears are tender. Allow pears to cool in the syrup. To serve, place one scoop of ice cream onto each of 4 chilled plates. Arrange 2 pear halves on either side of ice cream, then spoon chocolate sauce over all and top with almonds