Cottage Pears

4 ripe dessert pears
juice of 1/2 lemon
225 g/8 oz cottage cheese
25 g/1 oz walnuts, chopped
salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 celery stalks, cut into 2.5 cm/1 inch slices
1 carrot, peeled and coarsely grated
1 bunch watercress, stems removed and leaves
roughly chopped

Cut the pears in half lengthwise but do not peel them. Remove the cores, then brush the pears immediately with the lemon juice to prevent discoloration.

Put the cottage cheese and walnuts in a bowl, stir well, then add salt and pepper to taste. Fill the pears with the cheese mixture.

Mix together the celery, carrot and watercress, then arrange on individual plates. Place the pear halves on top. Serve iniiediately.

SERVES 4 to 8