From Sainsbury’s
Sweet, syrupy pears with a brandy kick that makes for a fantastic homemade gift or after-dinner dessert.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 Minutes
Cooking time: 10 Minutes
Ingredients:
250g preserving or granulated sugar
1 vanilla pod
4 firm ripe pears, cut in half and cored
8 star anise
Rind of 1 orange, cut into thin strips
50ml brandy
Method:
Place the sugar and vanilla pod in a medium pan with 500ml cold water on a low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add the pears and poach over a gentle heat for about 10 minutes, then drain, retaining the poaching liquid.
Press a star anise into the cavity of each pear, then place them in a sterilised jar, along with the orange strips and vanilla pod.
Pour over the brandy and top up with the reserved poaching liquid. Seal the jar with a lid, and decorate with muslin cloth and ribbon.
Cook’s tip: This fantastic dessert will keep for one week in the fridge.