PEARS WITH CHOCOLATE AND ALMONDS

To make the cakes, mix together the ground almonds, icing sugar and flour; whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, add the granulated sugar and continue whisking until stiff; fold into the almond, sugar and flour mixture; spoon the mixture into a piping bag

Lightly oil four metal rings and place on a baking dish, lined with baking parchment; pipe the almond mixture into the rings; bake for about 20 minutes in a pre-heated oven at 170C/Gas3 until golden; remove from the oven and allow to cool

To make the sauce heat the red wine with the star anise and bring to the boil; let it simmer until it is reduced by half; add the chocolate and syrup and bring to the boil again; stir until the chocolate has completely melted; allow to cool

To make the pears, peel them and slice in half; remove the core, leaving the stalks for presentation; rub with the lemon half to prevent discolouration; make a sugar syrup with 250g sugar and 500ml water and bring to the boil; add the pear halves and poach for 5 minutes, drain and set aside

Heat the butter, honey and spices in a large frying pan; add the pears and allow to cook for 5 minutes over a low flame

Drizzle the wine and chocolate sauce around the edge of four warmed plates; place an almond cake in the centre; add a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread and place two pear halves on top; decorate with fruit of your choice and star anise and cinnamon sticks