Gingery treacle tart

Method

• step 1

  Roll out the pastry with a little flour and use to line a loose-bottom 23cm round tin (it needs to be about 5cm high). Leave the excess pastry overhanging the sides, then chill for 30 mins.

• step 2

  In a large saucepan, melt the sugar with 800ml water and the zest of 1 lemon. Increase the heat until just simmering, drop in the pears, then cover and poach for 12-15 mins until almost tender. Lift out the pears, then set aside on some kitchen paper.

• step 3

  Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Line the pastry case with baking paper, fill with baking beans, then bake blind for 15-20 mins until a pale biscuit colour. Remove the paper and beans, then bake for a further 5 mins. Meanwhile, put the golden syrup in a small pan with remaining zest, juice of 1 lemon and the chopped ginger and syrup, then warm until runny. Tip the breadcrumbs into a large bowl, then stir in the warm syrup and eggs.

• step 4

  Reduce oven temperature to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Slice a little off the bottom of each pear so they stand upright, then space them out in the tin. Carefully spoon in the filling and bake for 50 mins-1hr until golden and set. Cool to room temperature, slice off the excess pastry to neaten the edges, then serve with cold cream or hot custard.