Are we done with New Year diet resolutions? Might be after this - syrupy fruit and drizzled chocolate heaven
Poached pears with chocolate sauce
125g sugar
1 vanilla pod, split
2 pears, ripe but firm, peeled and cored (leave stalks on)
60g dark chocolate, broken into chunks
1 tbsp unsalted butter
20g almonds, coarsely chopped
1 In a medium saucepan, bring 1 litre water to a boil with the sugar and split vanilla pod.
2 Add pears and lower the heat. Simmer for 20-25 mins until fruit is soft.
3 In a small pan over a low heat, melt the chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth, but do not let it boil.
4 Drain the pears and plate them. Pour over the chocolate sauce and sprinkle with chopped almonds.
This recipe is part of an intimate, easy-does-it menu for two, page 25 of February’s The Simple Things. Other recipes include Mushroom and parmesan filo pouches, Fish en papillote, Pilaf, and Kir Royale.
February's The Simple Things is out now - buy, download or subscribe now.