Step 1

Step 1 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and salt. Add the almond powder and mix until just incorporated. Add the 3 eggs and almond extract and mix again until just incorporated.

Step 3

Grease a baking dish with butter. Spread the almond mixture over the bottom of the dish.

Step 4

Pre-heat your oven to 350°F (180°C) with a rack in the middle.

Step 5

Step 2 - Peel, core and cut pears into quarters. Place pear quarters onto the almond mixture, about ½ inch (1.25cm) apart, pushing each piece down so they are tucked in nicely. Do not overcrowd the dish, you may not need all the pear pieces.

Step 6

Step 3 - Sprinkle the two tablespoons of sugar evenly over top. Bake for 40 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the almond mixture; it should come out clean when the gratin is done.

Step 7

Once the gratin is out of the oven and slightly cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Step 8

Serve with slightly warm or cool. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.