A comforting dessert, this fruit cobbler offers a sweet pear filling laced with almond liqueur, and a flavorful, toothsome topping that includes ground almonds and corn meal.

Almondine Pear Cobbler

Fruit Filling:
6 cups sliced ripe pears (about 6 medium)
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup almond flavored liqueur or 1/4 teaspoon almond extract plus 1/4 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Topping:
1/2 cup corn meal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup ground almonds
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
1 large egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

 

Vanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream for accompaniment

1. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease an 8-inch square glass baking dish; set aside.
2. For Fruit Filling: In a large bowl, combine pears, water, liqueur, sugar and cornstarch; mix well. Spoon into prepared baking dish.
3. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. For Topping: In a medium bowl, combine corn meal flour, 1/4 cup sugar, almonds, baking powder and salt; using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. In a small bowl, stir together egg and milk; stir into cornmeal mixture until moistened.
6. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto hot fruit mixture. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
7. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 9 servings.