Cider-Baked Pears or Quinces

• 2lb hard pears or quinces
• 4oz caster sugar or honey

Peel the pears or quinces leaving the stems on, and arrange them upright in a deep casserole. Add sugar or honey, pour over the cider and water and add the lemon peel. Cook at 300°F, 150°C, gas mark 2. until the pears or quinces are tender and can be pierced with a fork. Leave to cool in the juice, then remove the fruit and reduce the juice by heating until thick and syrupy. Spike the fruit wit