- 3 medium pears, peeled, halved and cored
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup creme fraiche
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted (optional)
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Place pear halves, cut side down, on cutting board. Starting about 1/2-inch from stem end, make 7 lengthwise cuts in each half, cutting to the bottom but leaving pears slices attached at the stem end. Arrange pear halves, cut side down, in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
- In small saucepan, combine sugar, water, apple pie spice and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Pour sugar mixture over pears.
- Bake covered, 40 to 45 minutes or until pears are tender, basting occasionally with sauce.
- Spread two tablespoons creme fraiche onto one side of each of 6 dessert plates; spoon one tablespoon sauce from pears on the other side. With slotted spoon, place pear half in center of each plate; garnish with almonds, if desired. Serve immediately.