glazed pears

These quick and easy glazed pears make an outstanding dessert in no time at all. Served hot or cold, alone or with chilled cream or ice-cream they are simply delicious.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

250g raw castor sugar

250ml dessert wine or sweet table wine

165ml water

1 vanilla bean split and scrapped

3 pears, halved and cored with a melon baller

Method:

Place all the above ingredients, expect the pears, in a wide pot and heat gently on medium - stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the pears, cut side down, cover with baking paper and a weight and simmer until tender – about 15-20 minutes. Set aside in the syrup. Just prior to serving place the pan back on the heat and cook on a very high flame until the sauce caramalises. Remove the pears carefully from the syrup and gently place one on each plate, pour over any remaining syrup. A sprinkling of icing sugar adds a nice touch to the finished dish.