Poached Pears with Soft Custard

Sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

8 firm pears

¾ cup instant nonfat dry ilk powder

4 eggs

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon butter

¼ teaspoon grated lemon peel

Combine 1 quart water and 1 ½ cups sugar in large saucepan.  Heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved.  Boil for 5 minutes.  Add 1 teaspoon vanilla.  Peel pears, leaving stems; place in syrup.  Simmer for 30 minutes or until pears are tender, turning occasionally.  Chill in syrup; drain.  Stir ilk powder into 2 cups water.  Beat eggs, ¼ cup sugar and salt together in saucepan.  Add milk gradually.  Cook, stirring, over medium heat until custard coats spoon.  Stir in butter, lemon peel and remaining vanilla; chill well.  Spoon custard into serving dish; add pears.

                     Recipe from American Cooking