Instructions: Peel, core and halve pears, brushing halves with lemon juice. In an 8-inch skillet combine 1/2 cup water and sugar. Bring to boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and the pear halves. Reduce heat. cook, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes or till pears are tender. Remove from heat. Add brandy. Cover; chill pears in poaching liquid.

For each serving, place 2 pear halves in a stemmed glass, standing upright and slightly overlapping. Pour 2 tablespoons poaching liquid over each serving. Sprinkles the toasted almonds over the pear halves.

NOTES : This is an elegant, if simple, dessert. Almost everyone will like it, even if it wont replace chocolate. It can also be made ahead, so you dont have to spend all your time cooking while your company is there.

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