Poached Pears with Spiced Caramel Sauce | Food Stuff

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts
• 6 firm-ripe Anjou pears
• 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 5 cardamom pods
• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 4 juice oranges
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 8 cups water