Instructions: For the Tangerine Custard Sauce: Whisk the sugar and egg yolks together in a bowl. In a small, heavy saucepan, bring the half-and-half and zest just to a simmer; do not boil. Gradually whisk half the hot mixture into the yolk mixture. Return to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats a spoon, about 5 minutes. Do not boil. Strain the custard into a clean bowl. Whisk in the tangerine juice and vanilla. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.

For the Topping: Butter a 9-inch round cake pan. Stir the sugar and water in a nonstick skillet over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and simmer, without stirring, until the color is a deep amber, about 10 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally and brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush. Pour the caramel into the prepared pan, tilting to coat the bottom. Overlap the pears in concentric circles on top of the caramel.

For the Cake: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Stir the flour, baking powder and salt together in a small bowl.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the eggs and zest and beat until light and fluffy. Combine the milk, cream and Cognac in a small bowl.

Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk mixture to the butter mixture in thirds, stirring to blend after each addition. Stir in the nuts. Pour the batter over the pears.

Bake until the cake is golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let cool in the pan on a rack for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, place a platter over the cake, and invert. Let rest for 1 minute, then remove the pan.

Serve the cake warm, with the cold Tangerine Custard Sauce on the side.

This recipe yields 8 to 10 servings.

Comments: If tangerines are not available, substitute orange zest and juice.

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.