Pears in Saffron Syrup

Directions

1. Put the sugar, cardamom, saffron and juice in a pan with 425ml water.  Bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. 
2. When the sugar is dissolved gently lower the pears into the syrup, put lid on and simmer for around 30 minutes occasionally spooning the syrup over them. 
3. When a knife slips easily into the flesh (they should be tender, not soft), remove them and place on a serving plate
4. Bring the remaining syrup up to a rolling boil to allow the water to evaporate and the syrup to thicken.  Keep a close eye on this process, you don’t want the sugar to burn!  When the syrup has a good thick pouring texture, remove from the heat and pour over the pears.
5. Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream