Le Tamerici Pears in Balsamic . The perfect accompaniment to cheese, these pears in Balsamic are textural and perfectly matched to cheeses. There is a base of pears simmered in balsamic from Modena with a layer of sliced just cooked pears added to add bite and interest. The pears are preserved with sugar but the clever addition of balsamic adds that touch of savoury that is needed. Try these pears with goats cheese or a sharp matured cheddar. They will also match the meaty flavours in a well ripened brie. Salumi with chilli or smoked characters will be perfect as will porchetta or roast pork.

Le Tamerici was started in 1991 by Paola Calciolari , a pharmacist with a passion for cooking and an advocate for local produce. The business began with the cooking school and lead to her desire to showcase heirloom and local ingredients such as the Campania orchard apple and white watermelon, by preserving them in traditional ways, but with a twist. Some of the fruits and vegetables that she champions were starting to be genetically fazed out, but she has supported local growers using them in interesting ways. Other local specialties such as the Amarena sour cherries and products like mustard fruits have particularly Northern Italian characters.