Peel, core, and quarter 5 pears, leaving the stem on on of the quarters of each pear. Sprinkle lemon juice to prevent browning if desired.
5 pears, 2 tablespoon lemon juice
In a 2 or 3 quart dutch oven, add the sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves in the pot. Turn burner to high to bring to a boil.
½ cup granulated sugar, 2 cup water, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 cardamom pods, 6 cloves, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Meanwhile, cut a full vanilla bean in half. Split one half down the middle and scrape the vanilla caviar out. Put the scraped half pod in the pot of spices, sugar and water. Add the vanilla caviar also. Stir well.
½ vanilla bean
Add the quartered pears to the pot. Bring to a quick boil. Cover, and lower heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes. Serve warm or cold.