serves 4

ingredients

25g/1oz butter

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

grated zest of 1⁄2 lemon

4 dessert pears

300g/11oz canned fruit cocktail

in syrup 1⁄2 teaspoon mixed spice

• Preheat the oven to 190°C/ 375°F/Gas mark 5.

• Melt the butter in a flameproof casserole dish. Add the sugar and lemon zest. Peel the pears, and turn in this mixture. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

• Add the fruit cocktail and its syrup, and sprinkle with the mixed spice. Return to the oven for 10 minutes.

• Lift the pears out onto warmed plates. Stir the fruit cocktail well into the pan juices. Spoon around the pears, and serve immediately.