Spiced figs poached in red wine

Place 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water in a saucepan and stir over a low heat until sugar is dissolved. Add 750ml red wine, 1 vanilla bean (split) and 1 stick cinnamon and stir. Bring to the boil over medium heat and add 8 large figs. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 4-8 minutes (depending on ripeness) or until figs are just tender. Remove figs from pan and set aside. Increase heat to high and reduce wine mixture, uncovered, until thick and syrupy. Allow to cool, then remove vanilla bean

and cinnamon stick. Place figs on serving plates, drizzle with syrup and serve with vanilla ice-cream.