Simple pleasures: pears, epic yoghurt and honey

Often the simplest combination of quality ingredients blow the most fussy, impressive looking desserts out of the water.

I’ve extolled the virtues of Clearwater yoghurt before, but once again: best yoghurt I’ve ever tasted, and even more delicious than ice cream. Before stallholders at farmer’s markets dared to get a little adventurous, this is what kept me from leaving town (ok, that and my lovely man, but the yoghurt is up there, along with Beauvais‘ perfect hash browns). If you’re still reeling from the ice cream comparison though, let me explain. First of all, Clearwater’s has this silken texture that works in pretty much anything. Second of all, it has a flavour that’s difficult to describe and difficult to hate – it’s mild, yet rich, and therefore you could eat a tub of it quite happily. This is because its tang is subtle and just right, and it’s quite low in fat. Hence it beating ice cream – ice cream is like the slightly slutty sister in comparison, leaving nothing to the imagination.

I think about food too much.

Try this though: Clearwater’s yoghurt (or whatever your favourite plain yoghurt is – splash out on the best you can find) over a fresh perfectly ripe pear de-seeded and sliced, and drizzled with a clear runny honey. I got my honey from the farmer’s market from Alpine forest, who make a honey called “manuka dew” that is just perfect for this. It stays clear even when it’s really cold, drizzles well without being watery, and has a mild manuka note that doesn’t overpower. There’s a stall at Lyttelton Farmers Market that sells something similar for $4 for a 500g jar (ie. MUCH cheaper). If you’re not a honey fan, try some real maple syrup (you only need a little though). You can use whatever fruit you want really, but make sure they’re perfectly ripe but fresh.

…don’t forget to sit in the sun with a person you love and share some with them!

PS. I hear the Collective’s yoghurt is really good but haven’t tried any yet, so when I do I’ll update.

PPS. Clearwater is $5 for just over 700g of organic yoghurt goodness at Grower’s Direct Market Christchurch, and around $7 elsewhere. Currently only available in the South Island. HA, there is something to live for down here!

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