Baked Pears with Oats and Almonds

Heat the oven to 350 F.

Slice each pear in half. You want to choose firm baking pears or slightly under ripe large eating pears. (Note: Pears that are very ripe will bake into mush.)

Use a spoon to scoop out a bit of the center core of each pear.

In a small bowl, combine the warm melted butter, vanilla and granulated sugar. Stir until the ingredients are combined well.

Brush the butter mixture onto each pear half, reserving the remaining butter mixture for later.

Mix together the brown sugar with the cinnamon.

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over top of the pear halves.

In a bowl, add the rolled oats and toss with the chopped almonds.

Pour the remaining butter mixture in with the oats and almonds, and stir to combine them. The oats should be lightly coated. If not, add another dab of melted butter.

Fill the center of each pear half with the oat and almond mixture.

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is browned and caramelized and the flesh has softened.

Serve with sprinkled cinnamon, whipped topping or fresh vanilla ice cream.