Pears Helene

2 2/3 c Water

2 c Sugar

1 t Vanilla

8 Ripe, small whole pears

--CHOCOLATE SAUCE

-- 2 Squares of unsweetened choc.

1 c Corn syrup

1/2 t Vanilla

1 T Butter

Combine water, sugar, and vanilla in a large saucepan and boil for several minutes. Then add the pears, and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. (Sometimes a hard pear will require as much as 30-50 minutes cooking time.) Drain and cool. Melt chocolate. Add corn syrup. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and butter. Stir well. To serve: Arrange pears upright on serving dish. Place scoop of vanilla ice cream on plate. At the last minute pour the chocolate sauce over the pears. Remaining sauce may be passed.