Warm Pears In Cider

INGREDIENTS:

serves 4

1 Lemon

50g/ 2oz/ 1/4 cup caster sugar

a little grated nutmeg

250ml/ 8fl oz/ 1 cup sweet cider

4 firm, ripe pears

single cream to serve

1 Carefully remove the rind from the lemon with a potato peeler leaving any white pith behind

2 Squeeze the juice from the lemon into saucepan, add the rind, sugar, nutmeg and cider and heat through to dissolve the sugar.

3 Carefully peel the pears, leaving the stalks on if possible, and place them in the pan of cider. Poach the pears for 10-15 minutes until almost tender, turning them frequently.

4 Transfer the pears to individual serving dishes using a slotted spoon. Simmer the liquid over a high heat until it reduces slightly and becomes syrupy.

5 Pour the warm syrup over the pears, and serve at once with freshly made custard, cream or ice cream.