1 1/2 c. finely chopped pears
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Chop pears to make 1 1/2 cups. Cream shortening and sugar; add egg and vanilla. Blend well. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Stir in chopped pears and nuts. Pour into greased and floured 8 x 12 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

While cake is still warm, spread with maple topping. Broil 2 to 3 minutes.

Broiled Topping: Melt 1/4 cup butter in small saucepan. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons maple flavor syrup, 1/2 cup nuts, and 1 cup coconut. Spread over warm cake.