Bread Pudding Pear Pie Recipe

Coarsely chop pears; place in a greased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar. Add the milk, vanilla, lemon peel and salt; mix well. Stir in crumbled English muffins; pour over pears. bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool slightly on a wire rack. For butterscotch sauce, combine brown sugar and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted. gradually add 1/2 cup cream. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla; set aside. In a small bowl, beat the remaining cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Cut the pie into wedges. Garnish with whipped cream and pear slices if desired. serve with butterscotch sauce. Yield: 8 servings.