Instructions: Place sugar in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat, watching closely to prevent burning, until sugar melts and starts to caramelize. Add apples and pears. Cook approximately 8 minutes until juicy. Add dried fruit, ginger, cinnamon stick, Port, tea and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks.

Open phyllo and cover with a damp tea towel and/or sheet of plastic wrap.

Combine butter with water.

Working with one sheet of phyllo at a time, brush with butter and sprinkle with some breadcrumb and sugar mixture. Fold in half lengthwise. Brush again. Wind strip up in the shape of a 4" nest and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with another strip, adding it to the first strip by reinforcing the edge to form a "basket" like nest. Make 7 more nests.

Bake in a pre-heated 400F oven for 10 minutes. Reduce to 350F/175C and bake 10 to 15 minutes longer until golden.

To assemble, spoon compote into the nests, drizzle any juices over the top and place ice cream in the centre. Sprinkle with icing sugar.

NOTES :
This recipe is from Bonnie Sterns revised Desserts Cookbook. This yields 8 servings.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.