Potted stilton with peppered pears

Method

1. Mash the Stilton with the butter and the sherry, until well blended.

2. Pack into a small bowl and make a criss-cross pattern on the top with a fork. Dot with green peppercorns, then chill until set.

3. For the peppered pears, begin by peeling, halving and coring the pears, leaving the stalks on wherever possible. Place quickly in a pan with the sherry, and water to cover. Add the green and black peppercorns and the sugar. Bring up to the boil, then reduce the heat and poach the pears until they are tender. A knife should slip effortlessly into the flesh.

4. Remove the pears from the pan with a slotted spoon, and transfer to a shallow dish. Boil the liquid left in the pan until reduced to about 6 or 7 tablespoons. Pour over the pears and leave to cool.

5. To serve, slice each pear half thinly along its length, without cutting right through to the stalk end. Fan out one half on each plate, and pour a tablespoon of the reduced cooking juices over it, together with a few peppercorns. Add a wedge of the potted Stilton and a sprig of parsley. Serve with soda bread.