Cassis & Bay-Baked Pears with Blackberries

Cassis & Bay-Baked Pears with Blackberries

Serves: 6 

Ingredients

• 6 just-ripe pears

• 100ml (3½ fl oz) cassis

• 300ml (½ pint) red wine

• 60g (2¼ oz) caster sugar

• 3 bay leaves

• 150g (5½ oz) blackberries

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (375°F) or Gas Mark 5.

2. Arrange the Pears: Halve the pears (no need to peel or core) and place them cut-side up in a gratin dish so they fit snugly in a single layer.

3. Infuse: Pour the cassis and red wine over the pears. Sprinkle with the caster sugar and tuck the bay leaves underneath the fruit.

4. Bake: Roast for 20–35 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Spoon the juices over the pears occasionally and turn them once or twice during cooking until tender to the center.

5. Reduce the Syrup: If the liquid isn't syrupy enough once the pears are cooked, remove the fruit and bay leaves and boil the juices in a pan for a few minutes to thicken. Pour back over the pears and leave to cool.

6. Finish: About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh blackberries and spoon the juices over them.

Nutrition (est.): ~218 cal | 1g protein | 0g fat | 42g carbs | 6g fibre