Core pears; pare upper half to prevent splitting. Place pears upright in ungreased rectangular baking dish, 12x7 1/2. (Cut thin slices from bottom, if necessary, to stand upright.) Mix pecans, butter and lemon peel. Place about 2 tsp pecan mixture in center of each pear. Pour water (1/4" deep) into baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Cook at 350* for 40-45 min. Prepare amber sauce; serve over warm pears

Amber Sauce: Mix all ingredients in 1 qt saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved and sauce is hot, about 5 min.