Citrus-poached pears

“This is the perfect Valentine's day dessert as it's straightforward to make, but has real wow-factor. ”

1 lemon

1 orange

1 stick of cinnamon (or cloves, allspice, star anise or a combination)

200 g granulated sugar

2 pears

double cream , to serve

Method

1. Place the peeled zest and juice from the lemon and orange into a saucepan, just large enough to hold the pears.
2. Add the cinnamon and sugar, pour in 500ml of water and bring to the boil. Cook until the sugar dissolves.
3. Peel the pears, then once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat and lower the pears into the syrup.
4. Simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, or until tender, then remove from the heat and leave to cool.
5. Serve the pears with double cream and 4 tablespoons of poaching liquid per person.