Chocolate & Pear Sponge

A wonderful combination of chocolate and pears in a lovely moist sponge.
Serves 6

175g / 6oz softened butter
175g / 6oz soft brown sugar
150g / 5 1/2 oz self raising flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
3 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp milk
2 small pears, peeled, cored & sliced

23 cm/ 8 inch loose-bottomed cake tin -  base lined with baking parchment

Preheat Oven 180C/ 350F / Gas Mark 4

In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, beating well after each addition. Sieve the flour and cocoa powder into the creamed mixture and fold in gently until all the ingredients are are combined. Stir in the milk, then spoon the mixture into the prepared tin. Leveling the surface with the back of a spoon.

Arrange the pear slices on top of the cake mixture, arranging in a radiating pattern. Pop in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the cake is just firm to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack until completley cold before serving.

Serve this delicious cake with a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top.


CHOCOLATE SAUCE

Melt 100g / 4oz  milk chocolate , in a bowl over a pan of sim mering water. Put 75ml / 3floz milk,       1 tbsp  double cream  & 15g / 1/2oz caster sugar into a small pan,  bring to the boil, whisking gently. Pour onto the chocolate, stirring constantly. Add 15g / 1/2oz diced butter, a little at a time and stir until glossy.