Slow-Cooker Caramel Poached Pears

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 6 Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and halved
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream

Preparation

1. In the bowl of the slow cooker, combine the sugar, ginger, and butter. Add the pears and gently toss to coat. Arrange the pears cut-side down. Set the slow cooker to high and cook, covered, until the pears are tender and easily pierced with the tip of a knife, about 1 to 2 hours. Divide the pears and ice cream among individual bowls and drizzle with the sauce.
   
   If You Don't Have a Slow Cooker: Heat oven to 325° F. Follow the recipe above using a Dutch oven or casserole. Bake, covered, turning once, until the pears are tender and easily pierced with the tip of a knife, 1 to 2 hours.