Hazelnut Pear Cake

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups whole hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 3 ripe medium pears, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 3 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-3/4 to 2 cups confectioners' sugar