Poached pear, bay leaf custard

The pears poach gently in white wine with honey and a stick of cinnamon until a spoon glides through. The custard is infused with fresh bay leaf, an old farmhouse trick that makes people put their spoon down and ask what it is.

On the plate

• Williams pear poached whole in spiced white wine
• Custard infused with fresh bay leaves
• Almond crumble baked the same afternoon

Good to know

Vegetarian. Contains dairy, egg, almonds and a little alcohol from the poaching wine (it can be cooked off further on request).