Ingredients
4 cups sliced peeled fresh pears (about 4 medium)1/2 cup packed brown sugar1/2 cup water1 tablespoon orange juice1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon2 tablespoons cornstarch2 tablespoons cold water2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized gingerGINGERBREAD LAYER:1/2 cup buttermilk1/4 cup sugar1/4 cup molasses1 egg2 tablespoons canola oil1 cup all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon ground ginger1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, combine the first five ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes or until pears are tender, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into pears. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in crystallized ginger. Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish.
In a large bowl, beat buttermilk, sugar, molasses, egg and oil until sugar is dissolved. In another bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients; gradually beat into buttermilk mixture. Pour over pear mixture.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until filling is bubbly and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
