sugar and 1 tsp vanilla (optional) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9" round or square cake pan. Set aside. In a large heavy skillet, heat the 1/4 cup of butter and add 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, stirring frequently until sugar melts. Add the pear slices and cook, stirring frequently until the pears begin to soften. Pour into the prepared pan and set aside. In a large bowl, beat together the remaining butter and brown sugar until light, about 1 minute. Add the egg and molasses and continue to beat until well blended.

On a piece of wax paper, sift together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda and salt. Gently fold into the butter/sugar mixture alternating with the boiling water. Do Not Overmix. Spoon the batter over the prepared pears and bake in the preheated oven for 35 -40 minutes or until the cake is springy to the touch. Remove the cake to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes then invert it on a serving plate. Slice into squares or wedges and serve with the whipped cream if desired.