SWEET DREAM

Golden caramelised pears are the jewel in the crown of this glorious winter-warming dessert

FRUIT LOAF PUDDINGS WITH MAPLE CARAMELISED PEAR

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 tbsp butter, at room temperature, plus melted butter, extra, to grease

8 slices spicy fruit loaf 500ml (2 cups) milk 250ml (1 cup) pouring cream 3 eggs

55g (1/4 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract Vanilla ice cream, to serve

MAPLE CARAMELISED PEAR

20g butter

2 Packham pears, quartered, cored, thickly sliced 1 tbsp brown sugar 60ml (1/4 cup) maple syrup METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 170C/150C fan forced. Grease four 435ml baking dishes with melted butter. Spread both sides of each fruit loaf slice with butter. Coarsely tear bread and divide among the baking dishes.

2. Whisk milk, cream, eggs, sugar and vanilla in a bowl until combined. Divide mixture among baking dishes. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow milk mixture to absorb slightly.

3. Place the baking dishes in two roasting pans. Pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the side of the baking dishes. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the puddings are just set.

4. Meanwhile, for the caramelised pears, heat the butter in a frying pan over high heat. Stir in the sliced pear and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until pear is just golden. Add maple syrup and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until pear is tender and caramelised.

5. Serve the puddings in the baking dishes, topped with the caramelised pear and vanilla ice cream.