Poached Pear in Caramel Sauce
SERVES 4
Ingredients
- 4 medium sized pears
- 8 oz light soft brown sugar
- I vanilla pod or few drops vanilla essence
- 10 fl oz single cream
- Toasted flaked almonds, or chocolate curls for decoration (optional)
Method
Peel the pears, keeping shape and stalk on. Cut a thin slice from the base of the pears so that they stand up. Pour 4 pints of water into a large saucepan and add 4 oz sugar. Bring to simmer; when the sugar has dissolved add the pears and vanilla pod or essence. Poach until pears are tender (about 15 minutes, depending on how hard the pears are). Turn them in the syrup once, and test for softness with a skewer.
To make the sauce, melt rest of sugar in a small pan and melt over a medium heat. When it turns a golden colour, remove from heat and add 4 tablespoons hot water. BE CAREFUL – it might spit! Cook gently for another 30 seconds, remove from heat and leave it to cool slightly for a couple of minutes. Stir in cream until smooth.
Drain pears, using stalk to lift from pan, and sit upright in serving dish (or individual dishes). Spoon the sauce over the pears and leave to cool in the fridge until needed. Sprinkle with toasted flaked almonds or chocolate curls (optional) when ready to serve.