Poached Pears with Raspberries and Figs

Peel and core the pears. Cut each pear in half lengthwise. Combine water and the next 4 ingredients (water through whole cloves) in a large nonaluminum saucepan. Scrape seeds from the vanilla bean, and add to sugar mixture; discard bean. Bring sugar mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Place pears, cut sides up, in pan; simmer 25 minutes or until tender. Remove pear halves with a slotted spoon, reserving the sugar mixture; place pear halves in a large shallow dish. Cover and chill.

Bring sugar mixture to a boil; cook until reduced to 1 cup (about 30 minutes). Cool. Serve each pear half with 2 tablespoons sauce, 2 tablespoons raspberries, and 3 fig halves; garnish with a mint sprig, if desired.