For this classic dessert, choose those firmer pears like Williams variety. To make the pear stand evenly, trim its base befre cooking.

Ingredients :-

• 4 pears, peeled but stalks left on
• 100 g (3 1/2  oz) caster sugar
• 250 ml (8 fl oz) red wine
• 1 long sliver of lemon rind ( prepare extra for decoration )
• lemon balm sprigs ( to decorate )
• 125-250 ml (4-8 fl oz) water

Serving Information:-

• Serve for 4 pax ( just nice for teatime ! )
• Preparation time: about 15 minutes.
• Cooking time: about 1  1/2 hours.

Dietary Information ( per serving ) :-

• kcal 240
• kJ 1020
• protein 1 g
• fat 0 g
• CHO 51 g

Dessert Preparation Process

1. Put the pears into a deep ovenproof casserole which is just large enough to hold them standing up.
2. Put together the wine, sugar and lemon rind into a small saucepan. Bring to the boil and cook, stirring them until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Pour the syrup over the pears and add enough water to come just level with the stalks.
4. Cover the dish and bake in a preheated oven, 160°C  (325′F) ,  for 1 1/2 hours ( or until the pears are tender when tested with fine skewer ).
5. Remove the pears from the over and leave to cool.
6. Cover the casserole and chill ( spooning the syrup over the pears from time to time ).
7. Serve with sprigs of lemon balm and slivers of lemon rind.