1 can pear halves or 4 fresh pears
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 c. Ricotta cheese
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate bits
2 tbsp. milk
1/3 c. thinly sliced almonds

Brush each pear with lemon juice. In a small bowl, combine cheese, sugar, and almond extract. Mix well. Scoop out seeds and cores from pears (if fresh); fill 4 pear halves with cheese mixture. Press together 1 filled and 1 empty half. Chill 1 hour or longer. Just before serving, melt semi-sweet bits with 2 tablespoons milk in microwave. Place each pear in a small bowl and drizzle with sauce. Sprinkle with slivered almonds.