Saffron pears in cider

This is a stunning dinner party dessert which you can make in advance as it keeps will for up to a week in the fridge. (Recipe from my new book - 'Delicious Everyday' published by Murdoch)

Ingredients

• 100g light brown sugar
• 1 litre apple and pear cider
• 1 tsp saffron threads
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla bean split lengthways
• Finely grated zest and juice of 2 oranges
• 6 pears, peeled and cores removed through the base



Cooking Instructions

1. 1

   Put the sugar, cider, saffron, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, orange zest and juice in a 3 litres saucepan and bring to the boil

1. 2

   Add the pears and gently simmer for 10-20 minutes until still firm but easily skewered. Cooking time will depend on the size and ripeness of pears

1. 3

   Remove the pears with a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl, cover and set aside

1. 4

   Reduce the syrup by two-thirds over medium heat

1. 5

   Pour the reduced syrup over the pears and allow to cool

1. 6

   Serve in a bowl or fanned out on a plate with lots of syrup