Pumpkin Panna Cotta With Caramelized Pears

Place the milk in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Stir gently and leave for 5 minutes to soften.

Combine the half-and-half in a small saucepan with the syrup and pumpkin, and heat until the mixture just reaches the scalding point but does not boil, whisking often. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk in the gelatin mixture until smooth. Divide the mixture into 4 glasses or ramekins and refrigerate.

For the pears:

Cut the pear/pears in half, remove the core and peel. Cut into a small dice. In a heavy frying pan, heat the butter until sizzling. Add the pears, sugar and cinnamon and stir. Cook over medium heat stirring often until the pears and very tender and obtain a nice golden brown color. Remove from the heat and place in a covered bowl until needed.

To serve, allow the panna cotta to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Add a dollop of sweetened cream to each panna cotta, then spoon on some of the pears in their juice. Serve immediately.