Poached Pears

Method

1. 1

   For the Poached Pears

   First poach your pears (this could be done well in advance - up to 2 days in advance - and stored in their poaching liquor).

2. 2

   Prepare your pears by peeling, coring and cutting a flat edge on the bottom of each pear (this will help is stand up nice and proud in your dish).

3. 3

   Combine all your poaching ingredients together and heat in a pan until the sugar has dissolved.

4. 4

   Add your pears, for the evenly poached pear, you want to cover the pears with a circle of parchment and a plate to ensure the pears don’t oxidise and stay submerged throughout the cooking process. (You could place a lid on top of your pan but this makes the liquid more prone to boiling over). Poach on a medium heat for 20-30 minutes and until, when tested, a knife goes into each pear with little resistance. Set aside to cool completely before serving.

5. 5

   For the Chocolate Sauce

   Pour your boiling water over the hot chocolate and mix until smooth.

6. 6

   Add your hot chocolate powder to your double cream and heat in a pan until it begins to boil. Pour this over our chocolate and mix until emulsified.

7. 7

   To serve, pour your hot chocolate sauce over your pears and enjoy with a dollop of crème fraiche or cream!