POACHED PEARS WITH FRUITS COULIS

POACHED PEARS WITH FRUITS COULIS
This simple dessert has an exquisite flavour and needs no added sugar. It tastes particularly delicious if you use a ripe naturally sweet pear such as Blush Rosada.The pears will look even more spectacular if they are left whole - preferably with the stems on, though the poaching time will take about five minutes longer.
(serve4)

INGREDIENTS

4 ripe pears, halved lengthwise aand cores removed Juice of 1 lemon.
For the fruit coulis
225g forest fruits or raspberries(thawed if frozen)
Sprig of fresh redcurrants to decorate

METHOD
1.Arrange the pears in a large shallow-based pan, with the cored side facing down, in a single layer.
2.Mix the lemon juice with enough cold water to cover the pears. Bring to the boil, lower the heat and simmer gently for 5-10minutes. The timing depends on the variety and the ripness of the pears that you use. they should remain quite firm, but soft enough to get a dessert fork through.
3.Transfer the poached pears to 4 serving plates and leave aside to cool.
4.Meanwhile, make the coulis. Puree the forest fruits or raspberries in a blender or food processor, then push the mixture through a fine sieve in order to remove the pips.
5.Spoon or pipe the couils around the pears halves and decorate with a sprig of fresh redcurrants before serving.