Baked Pears with Vanilla Syrup

1. Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F, Gas Mark 5 and lightly grease a shallow ovenproof dish. Halve the pears lengthways, remove the cores and place in one layer, cut sides up in the ovenproof dish.

2. Place the walnuts, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.

3. Divide the mixture between the pear halves, sprinkle over 1-2 tablespoons of water and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, place all the ingredients for the syrup in a saucepan, bring to the boil, stirring then continue to cook for about 10 minutes or until the mixture is thick and syrupy.

5. When the pears are cooked, remove from the oven and pour the hot syrup over the top.

6. Set aside to cool. Serve cold.