Spring might be on the horizon, but there are still plenty of pears in the shops. Here's a lovely, alternative way to eat this common, exceptionally healthy and inexpensive fruit

Ingredients

4 brown pears, whole but peeled

2 cups sugar

6 cups water

Method

Place the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add pears and allow them to simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking. Serve pear warm or cooled with a little of the poaching liquid, or a squeeze of golden syrup.