Poached Pears

• 4 large pears (Comice are good)
• 600 ml (1 pint) water

Core and peel carefully, leaving the stems on if possible.

Heat together in a pan large enough to hold the pears standing upright.

Place the pears in the pan, stems up. They should be completely covered by the syrup. Poach them at just below boiling point until soft, about 10-12 minutes, depending on ripeness. Remove the pears, and reduce the syrup until fairly thick. Cool.