Pear-Orange Gratin

Ingredients

• 1 orange (6 oz.)
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds peeled, cored firm-ripe pears such as d'Anjou or Bartlett
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons apricot-flavor brandy, brandy, or orange juice
• 1/4 cup apricot jam

Preparation

1. 1. Rinse orange, cut in half lengthwise, then slice crosswise; discard seeds.
2. 2. In a 10- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan, combine orange, 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Stir often over medium-high heat until liquid evaporates, 4 to 5 minutes; take care not to scorch fruit.
3. 3. Cut pears lengthwise into 3/4-inch slices and mix with lemon juice. In a 10-inch-wide (about 8-cup) round quiche dish or shallow casserole, snugly arrange pears in a single layer. Tuck orange pieces among pear slices. Spoon brandy over fruit, then sprinkle evenly with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.
4. 4. Bake in a 450° oven until fruit edges are tinged with dark brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
5. 5. Stir apricot jam to soften; dot evenly over fruit.
6. 6. Return dish to oven and bake until jam is bubbling, about 5 minutes. Spoon portions onto plates.