Pear and melon salad

We're lucky to have our very own pear tree out in the back garden.  I was greeted to the kitchen today by my beaming husband and a pile of pears he'd collected.  Had you asked him a few years ago would collecting pears from his own tree have made him so happy, he'd have probably scoffed at you for talking rubbish and hotfooted it to the pub or some other manly hubspot. In fact, even today when I asked him that very question he was quick to remind me that he still remains committed to his love of football, beer and golf!

So, I've an abundance of fresh pears and a mission to use them well. But what to make?

First up is a super simple - amazingly tasty recipe I discovered last pear season (seriously, I can't stress enough just how brilliant this recipe is!).



Juice of 1 lemon
2 large pears
Melon - as much and what ever type you like
3 teaspoons of sugar
Same amount of water as you have lemon juice

Bring the water, lemon juice and sugar to the boil together to make a syrup (should be as tart as you like). Leave to one side to cool completely.

Cut the pear and melon up whichever way you like.

Mix the syrup and fruit and serve whichever way you like.

Suggestions are:

• As a fruit salad
• With home cooked ham, rocket, toasted sunflowers, feta and roasted Mediterranean vegetables - we had this for dinner tonight.
• With pancakes
• With ice cream