Pears in Perry

• 4 firm pears
• 500 ml Perry
• 4 cloves

Peel the pears, leaving the stalks intact, and cut a thin sliver off the base of each one so they will stand upright.

Put the Perry, cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns and caster sugar into a heavy-based saucepan and add the pears. Lay a piece of greaseproof paper over the fruit. Bring to a simmer and poach gently for about 45 minutes until the pears are soft and tender but still holding the