1/2 large loaf French bread
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups chopped peeled pears
2 each eggs; beaten
1 teaspoon butter; softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
Remove bread crusts; tear bread into 1-inch pieces to make 6 cups. In bowl, combine milk, granulated sugar and almond extract; stir in bread and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir in pears and eggs. Grease 8-inch square baking dish with butter; pour in mixture and press with spoon to level. Bake in 3500F oven for 40 minutes or until firm to touch. Sprinkle with brown sugar and almonds; broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until sugar melts.
Yield: 6 servings