Baked Pears and Creme Fraiche

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 F.

Step 2: Place pear halves, cut side down, on a cutting board. Starting about 1/2 inch from the stem end, make 7 lengthwise cuts in each half, cutting to the bottom. It should look like a fan.

Step 3: Arrange pear halves, cut side down, in an 11x7 inch baking dish.

Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, apple pie spice, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Pour mixture over the pear halves and bake, covered, until pears are tender (40-45 minutes).

Step 5: To serve, stir the crème fraiche. Spread 2 tbsp. onto one half of each dessert plate. Spoon 1 tbsp. of the cooking sauce on the other side of the plate. With a slotted spoon, place a pear half in the center of each plate. Garnish with almonds, if desired. Serve immediately.

Note: I would thinly drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the finished pears, for a nice presentation, and serve a small scoop of vanilla ice-cream alongside.