PEAR CUSTARD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350*.
• Peel, quarter, and core the pears.
• Cut them into 1/2" slices and mix with the water, butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a heavy 12-inch skillet.
• Cook, covered,over moderate heat, until the pears are tender but not mushy-about 5 minutes.
• Uncover and cook until all of the liquid has evaporaed and the pears have started to caramelize-4 minutes longer.
• Remove from the heat and set aside.
• To prepare the custard: In a medium-size bowl or 2-quart maeasuring cup, whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
• Distribute the pears among four 6-ounce or six 4-ounce flameproof custard cups.
• Pour the custard over the pears.
• Set the cups in a baking pan and pour hot water into the pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the cups.
• Bake, uncovered, for about 35 minutes or until a knife inserted midway between the rim and the center comes out clean.
• Transfer the cups to a wire rack and cool to room temperature-30 to 40 minutes.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Will keep for up to 3 days.
• Preheat the broiler.
• Sprinkle the cold custards with the pecans.
• Whisk togerher the butter, maple syrup, and cream; spoon the mixture over the custards.
• Broil 6 inches from the heat for about 3 minutes or until the topping bubbles.
• Serve immediately.
• Serves 4 to 6.
• Enjoy!