LAVENDER AND ORANGE INFUSED PEARS

Pears are one of my favourite fruits . Peel 4 firm pears and cut a smalll piece from the base so that the pears stand upright . ( if you are using ripe pears , they take less time to cook ). Place 1 cup of sugar and the grated rind of 2 oranges along with 1 cup of orange juice , 10 lavender heads and 2 cups of water into a small saucepan and bring to the boil , stirring until the sugar dissolves . Reduce the heat to a slow simmer . Now place the 4 pears in the saucepan and cover . Simmer until pears soften and a skewer inserted can be removed easily . Transfer the pears to a plate , remove the lavender heads , reduce the syrup .. Stand the pears in the serving dish and pour over the warm syrup . Serve with cream , optional .