Pear Cobbler

Serves 6

Ingredients

Filling

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash of 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 margarine or butter, melted
1 Tablespoon sugar, if desired
Light Cream, if desired

Directions

Combine all of the filling ingredients, except pears, in 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 mixing bowl. Beat on low speed with electric mixer for about 30 seconds.

Add buttermilk and melted margarine. Continue to mix on low speed about 30 seconds, or just until blended.

Pour hot filling into 8-or 9- inch baking pan. Top evenly with large spoonfuls of topping. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar, if desired.

Bake at 375° F. for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pears are tender and bubbly and topping is golden brown.