Pear Custard

Ingredients

• 2 large firm-ripe pears, such as bosc or anjou (about 1 pound)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or 1 teaspoon honey (tastes best with maple syrup)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the custard
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• For the topping
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or 2 tablespoons margarine, melted
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or 2 tablespoons milk