Poached Pears With Almond Cream

• 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3 to 4 tablespoons cold water
• 3 large pears
• 2 cups white grape juice
• 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches), halved
• 2 teaspoons thinly sliced crystallized ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until mixture forms a ball.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut into six circles with a 4-in. cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on an ungreased
3. . Bake at 425u0b0 for 7-8 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
4. Peel pears and cut in half lengthwise; remove cores. In a large skillet, combine the grape juice, cinnamon, ginger and allspice; add pears. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until pears are tender, turning once. Remove pears and set aside.
5. Combine cornstarch and water; stir into poaching liquid. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; discard cinnamon stick.
6. In a small bowl, combine the almond cream ingredients; beat until smooth. On each dessert plate, place a pear half on a pastry circle; drizzle with poaching liquid. Pipe almond cream over pears. Serve immediately.

flour, salt, shortening, cold water, pears, white grape juice, cinnamon, ginger, ground allspice, cornstarch, water, cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, almond

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/poached-pears-with-almond-cream/ (may not work)