*To toast the sesame seeds, put them in a pan and place o medium heat. Keep stirring constantly until the sesame seeds just start turning golden and give off a nutty aroma. Take of the heat and immediately remove them to a plate. Do not brown the sesame seeds.

To make the preserves, put the sugar and water in a largish heavy bottomed/ walled pan. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves and the syrup comes to a boil. Now add the honey, orange juice, salt, chilli flakes, ginger and the spices to the syrup and stir well. Let it boil for a couple of minutes, then add the chopped figs and pears.

Stir, bring to a boil and then let it simmer. Stir whenever necessary until the fruit is cooked and the preserves thicken to required consistency. Remember the preserve will thicken further as it cools.

Once the preserve has cooled down till it is just warm, add the toasted sesame seeds, and mix well. Remove the vanilla beans and the cinnamon and discard, if you wish.Let it cool completely and then transfer to sterilized and airtight jars. Refrigerate. This recipe makes about 2 1/2 medium sized jars of preserves.