Baked Pears With Lemon Grass And Pistachio Syrup

Directions

1. Place the vanilla pod in a small covered pan with the sugar water lemon zest and lemon grass.
2. Cook on the floor of the roasting ovenfor 10 min stirring once.
3. Leave the syrup to infuse for 20 to 30 min.
4. Place the pears in a small buttered ovenproof dish pour the juice of half the lemon over them and dot with the butter.
5. Bake the pears on the floor of the roasting ovenfor 15 min spooning the buttery juices over them once or possibly twice during cooking.
6. Add in the pistachio nuts then leave the pears to cold slightly.
7. Strain the syrup to remove the flavourings then spoon it over the pears to serve.
8. Can serve pears with a shortbread biscuit and sharp blackcurrant coulis.The syrup is spooned over the pears to moisten them just before serving some rich vanilla ice cream would complete the dish perfectly.
9. Serves 4