Caramelized Ginger Pears and Baked Brie

Ingredients

• 4 pounds firm, ripe Anjou pears, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 (8-oz.) Brie round
• Gingersnaps and crackers

Preparation

1. 1. Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large Dutch oven, and let stand at room temperature, stirring occasionally, 2 hours.
2. 2. Bring pear mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring often, 1 hour or until thickened and golden. Cool completely (about 45 minutes).
3. 3. Trim rind from top of Brie round, leaving a 1/2-inch border on top. Place Brie round on an ovenproof plate. Spoon 1/2 cup pears over Brie round. Bake 15 minutes or until cheese begins to melt. Serve immediately with gingersnaps and crackers.