Pear Extravaganza

(Serves 2)

• 2 whole meal muffins
• 20 ml/4 tsp low-fat spread
• 2 thin slices lean Parma (or similar) ham
• 2 ripe pears, peeled, halved and cored
• 6 basil leaves, shredded
• 50 g/2 oz / ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• Freshly ground back pepper
• 2 small basil sprigs

Halve and toast the muffins, then spread. Put half a slice of parma ham on each muffin half. Place two halves on each of two flameproof serving plates. Cut a thin slice off the rounded ends of the pears so they will stand up. Place the pears, cored sides up, on the muffin halves and put the pear slices in the core holes. Sprinkle with the torn basil leaves and top with the cheese. Add a good grinding of black pepper. Flash under a hot grill (broiler) until the cheese has melted. Serve each garnished with a small basil sprig.