Cooking with Apples and Pears - Tapa dura

Apples and pears are two of our best-loved fruits. Grown in seemingly endless varieties, they are as versatile and delicious to cook with as they are beautiful to look at. For a light meal or snack try something from Savouries. Recipes include Apple, Parsnip and Thyme Soup or Pear and Parmesan Salad with Endive and Walnuts. A chapter devoted to Bakes features tasty teatime treats. Try Apple Sauce Cookies, Pear and Chocolate Muffins or Apple and Carrot Spice Bread. Apples and pears are the perfect ingredient for a range of Tarts and Pies. Fool-proof recipes include Classic Apple Pie, Tarte Tatin, Pear and Almond Tart and Praline Apple Strudel. More tempting Desserts include classics such as Apple and Blackberry Crumble, Pear Cobbler and Apple Brown Betty with Cranberries, or the wickedly indulgent and boozy Spiced Pear Trifle. Looking for ways to make use of windfall fruit? Preserves and Sauces includes recipes for perfect accompaniments to cheese and cold meats, such as Apple, Pear and Ginger Chutney.

Laura Washburn was born in Los Angeles, went to university in Paris and speaks fluent French. She trained at the prestigious Paris cooking school, Ecole de Cuisine La Varenne. Laura is also the author of Bistro, a best-selling title for Ryland Peters & Small.