A surprisingly easy, rich dessert. Dates and ginger make a great stuffing, but you can use any mixture you like.

4 ripe Bartlett pears, peeled

8 dates, chopped

2 tablespoons minced candied ginger

2 teaspoons grated orange rind

¼ cup white wine

½ cup maple syrup

1 cup whipping cream

½ teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Cut tops off pears. Scoop out core with a melon baller. Combine dates, ginger and orange rind. Stuff into pear core. Lay pears in baking dish. Combine wine, maple syrup and whipping cream and pour over pears. Bake for 15 minutes, basting and turning occasionally or until pears are tender.

Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Pour basting sauce into pot and boil for 5 to 7 minutes on high heat or until thickened slightly. Place pear in centre of plates spooning sauce around it or place in wineglasses and pour sauce over. Serve warm or cold with ice cream.