3 fresh pears
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter, divided
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 c. granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. grated orange rind
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 2/3 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. milk
Buttered orange sauce (see below)
sweetened whipped cream (optional)

Pare, halve and core the pears; set aside. Put 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of the butter into a 10 x 6 x 3/4 inch glass pan. Place into oven as it preheats to melt.

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over melted butter; arrange pears over brown sugar, cut side toward pan.

Cream the remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter with the granulated sugar, egg, orange rind and vanilla. Blend in the baking powder and salt add the flour alternately with the milk, blending well.

Pour mixture over pears evenly.

Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until center of cake tests done.

Invert onto serving plate. Serve warm with sauce and whipped cream if desired.

BUTTERED ORANGE SAUCE:

juice of 1 orange
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. ginger
canned pears halves in light syrup (optional)

In saucepan, blend juice, cornstarch, sugar, butter and ginger.

Cook stirring until thickened. May use canned pears halves in light syrup.