3 large Bartlett Pears

 

1 to 1 1/2 C. coarsely chopped Anise Hyssop Leaves and Flowers

2 C. Half and half

2 T. Cornstarch

2 Egg yolks

Pernod Liquid to taste, optional

 

1/2 C. cold Butter

3oz. cold Cream Cheese

1 C. Flour

 

3-4 fresh or dried Anise Hyssop Flower Stalks, for garnish

 

In a saucepan, combine chopped anise hyssop leaves and flowers and half-and-half. Slowly bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and allow anise hyssop to steep for 2 to 3 hours. With a knife, decoratively score round sides of pears. Lay pears, flat side down, in a buttered 9×13″ pan. Cut butter and cream cheese into cubes. Combine in a food processor with flour. Whirl until mixture holds together. Press this dough evenly over bottom and sides of an 11″ tart pan with removable bottom. In a 375 F. oven, set pastry on a low rack and pears on a rack above. Bake until crust is golden and pears turn brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Cool. Strain and discard the leaves from the half-and-half. In a saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch, then stir in the cooled half-and-half. Stir over medium-high heat until boiling. Stir some of the cream into the egg yolks, then add the yolks and cream back to the pan and stir 1 minute. Stir in Pernod if desired. Pour hot anise hyssop cream into crust. Set pears, round side up, in cream. Let cool, cover lightly, and chill 8 hours or overnight. Before serving, scatter anise hyssop florets between the pears and place a small leaf cluster in the center of the tart.