I’m Loving

Poached pears with hokey pokey custard that’s too good to share.

SERVES 4

You will need a sugar thermometer for this recipe. 1 cup (220g) caster sugar Pinch of saffron threads Rind of 1 lemon, cut into strips 1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped 4 pears

HOKEY POKEY CUSTARD

1 cup (250ml) pure (thin) cream 1/ 3 cup (80ml) milk 1/2 cup (180g) runny honey 3 egg yolks 2 titanium-strength gelatine leaves 425g caster sugar 1/2 cup (175g) liquid glucose syrup 20g bicarbonate of soda, sifted

For the hokey pokey custard, place cream, milk and half of the honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Place yolks in a large, bowl and whisk to aerate slightly. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly. Return to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and reaches 82°C on a sugar thermometer. Soak gelatine leaves in cold water for 5 minutes to soften. Squeeze excess water from gelatine and stir into the cream mixture until melted and combined. Pass mixture through a sieve into a clean bowl, then cover the surface directly with a round of baking paper. Refrigerate until needed.

To make the honeycomb, grease a deep heatproof tray and line the base and sides with baking paper. Place the remaining 1/4 cup honey, sugar, glucose and 1/ 3 cup (80ml) water in a large, deep saucepan and bring to the boil. Cook until the syrup reaches 160°C on a sugar thermometer, then remove from heat and quickly whisk in the bicarb. Pour mixture into prepared tray and allow to set for 20 minutes or until at room temperature. Once set, cut into small pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Half-fill a small saucepan with water, then add the sugar, saffron, lemon rind, vanilla pod and seeds. Place over medium heat and cook until sugar has dissolved. Peel the pears, keeping the stems intact, and add to the pan (they should be snug). Top up with extra warm water so the pears are submerged. Place over medium-low heat, bring to a simmer and cook for 50-55 minutes until soft. Remove pears from syrup and set aside to cool. Bring poaching liquid to the boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until thick and syrupy. Set aside until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, place chilled custard in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth. Divide custard among 4 serving plates, top each with a poached pear, drizzle over saffron syrup and scatter with honeycomb pieces. Serve immediately.