Type of dish: Dessert

Filling:
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
dash ground cloves
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
6 to 8 medium pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 Tablespoon sugar
light cream, if desired

Combine all of the filling ingredients, except pears, in a large skillet. Stir in sliced pears. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, stirring gently. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make topping: Place flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Beat on low speed of electric mixer for about 30 seconds. Add buttermilk and melted butter. Continue to mix on low speed for another 30 seconds, or until just blended.

Pour hot filling into 8- or 9-inch baking pan. Top evenly with large spoonfuls of topping. Sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon sugar. Bake at 375° F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pears are tender and bubble and topping is golden brown.

Serve warm with light cream, if desired.

Recipe courtesy of Gazy Brothers Farm