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Poached Pears

These gently poached pears stay whole and tender, soaking up a bright, aromatic syrup of lemon, juniper and cardamom. Paired with creamy Young Buck blue cheese and crunchy toasted walnuts, it is a simple but elegant starter. Ingredients:

Ingredients

  • 400 ml water
  • 400 ml caster sugar
  • Juniper berries
  • Cardamom
  • Lemon juice
  • Whole lemon
  • Peeled whole pears
  • Young Buck blue cheese
  • Toasted walnuts

Method

  • Put 400 ml water, 400 ml caster sugar, juniper berries, cardamom, lemon juice, and a whole lemon into a pot.
  • Bring to a boil for 5–7 minutes.
  • Turn the heat to medium and add the peeled whole pears.
  • Sit a cartouche on top of the pears.
  • Simmer for 12 minutes (or 15 minutes if you like them softer).
  • Take the pears out, drain, and store until needed in the fridge.
  • Serve with Young Buck blue cheese and toasted walnuts.
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