Honey Pears, Poached

• poaching syrup
• honey pears or other pears, peeled, halved and cored

Bring the poaching syrup to the boil in a large pan. Add the pear halves, cover with a lid and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the pears — firm and just ripe fruit is preferable for poaching. Remove from the heat and cool the pears in the poaching liquid until completely cooked through; they should be tender when pierced with a skewer.