SERVES: 4-6 PEOPLE

PREP TIME: 1.5 HOURS (MAKE AHEAD)

INGREDIENTS

• 150g caster sugar

• 5-6 pears, peeled (Comice or Williams are the best for poaching)
• 500mls water
• 1 vanilla pod, split (or 3 teaspoons of good quality vanilla essence if you can't find vanilla pods)
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• Cream or ice cream to serve 

METHOD

1. Start by slicing a tiny piece off the bottom of the pears to make them flat - this will ensure they stand up more easily whilst you're poaching them.
2. Next, pop them into a saucepan with the water, sugar, vanilla pod and cinnamon stick. 
3. Put the pan on the lowest heat to start cooking the pears. The length of time this can take will depend on the size of the pears, but can take up to an hour so be patient! Once the pears are soft enough to poke with a fork, but still holding their shape, you know they are ready, at which point remove them from the heat and leave to one side.
4. To create your syrup, reduce the remaining liquid for about 15-20 minutes on a medium heat. It's worth noting that this part may be quicker or longer depending on how large your pan is. You'll know it's almost ready when it starts to become amber in colour and almost begins to thicken. Remove from the heat at this stage as the syrup will continue to thicken on cooling.
5. Next, warm the pears up again if you'd like to, plate them up and drizzle your syrup over the top.
6. Serve with your choice of cream or ice cream.

Enjoy this yummy autumnal dessert and don't forget to pop a jug of extra cream on the table for your guests!