Active Time

　　20 min

　　Total Time

　　1 1D4 hr

　　The heady flavor of almond is threaded through this lovely dessert. The combination of Amaretto and warm pear juices creates a fragrant syrup, and a crisp, nutty topping adds welcome contrast to the tender roasted fruit.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

　　

For almond crunch

1 large egg white

　　3 tablespoons sugar

　　1/8 teaspoon salt

　　3/4 cup sliced almonds (preferably with skins; 2 3/4 oz)

　　

For pears

3 firm Bosc pears (1 1/2 lb total)

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

　　1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

　　3 tablespoons Amaretto or other almond-flavored liqueur

　　1/2 cup water

　　Accompaniment: mascarpone cheese (optional)

　　

Special Equipment

parchment paper; a melon-ball cutter (optional)

　　

Make almond crunch:

Step 1

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

　　

Step 2

Line a baking sheet with parchment.

　　

Step 3

Whisk together egg white, sugar, and salt until sugar is completely dissolved, then add almonds, stirring until coated. Spread mixture in a very thin layer on parchment-lined sheet, spreading almonds away from center of pan.

　　

Step 4

Bake until deep golden, 15 to 25 minutes. Cool on baking sheet on a rack, then break into pieces.

　　

Roast pears:

Step 5

Increase oven temperature to 425°F.

　　

Step 6

Halve pears lengthwise and core with melon-ball cutter or a paring knife.

　　

Step 7

Spread 1 tablespoon butter on bottom of an 8-inch square glass baking dish and sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar.

　　

Step 8

Arrange pears, cut sides up, on sugar, then dot pears with remaining tablespoon butter. Sprinkle remaining tablespoon sugar over pears, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon Amaretto.

　　

Step 9

Roast pears, uncovered, until barely tender, about 25 minutes (sugar will harden on bottom).

　　

Step 10

Add water, a pinch of salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons Amaretto to baking dish and stir (around pears) until sugar is dissolved, then baste pears with pan juices.

　　

Step 11

Roast pears, basting twice with pan juices, until tender, about 15 minutes more.

　　

Step 12

Serve pears, warm or at room temperature, drizzled with pan juices and topped with almond crunch.