Slow-Cooked Gingered Pears

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 6 medium Bartlett or Anjou pears
• 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
• Optional: Vanilla ice cream and caramel ice cream topping

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the ginger, brown sugar, pecans and zest. Using a melon baller or long-handled spoon, core pears to within 1/4 in. of bottom. Spoon ginger mixture into the center of each pear.
2. Place pears upright in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Top each with butter. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until tender. If desired, serve with ice cream and caramel topping