Instructions: Butter a 2-quart shallow baking dish and set aside.

Combine all filling ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until pears are hot and mixture is slightly thick, about 5 minutes; pour into prepared baking dish.

To prepare topping: Stir together flour, sugar and baking powder in a small bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheese, milk and egg (mixture will be very thick). Drop by spoonfuls over pear filling.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until topping mixture is set, tenting loosely with foil if topping browns too quickly.

Let cool slightly and serve. This dessert is best when still slightly warm.

Top with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.