Pear recipes. One I made and one I want to make.

Mid-week guests are about one of the best treats a person could ask for. Doesn't everyone get sucked up in the Monday through Friday drudgery of sleep-work-eat-clean- sleep? There is no rule that says we are not allowed to have fun on weekdays, and yet that is what seems to happen to the best of us.

My remedy: have some friends over on a "school night" for these mini pear and almond cakes. Now, I have to tell you: as delicious as it probably is, I totally skipped out on the poached pear topping. It is mid week, after all. Who has time to bake cakes and poach pears in a wine that's certainly not one of my pantry staples? No, I just made these cakes- these marvelous little cakes- and put sliced pairs on the top before I baked them. They were beautiful, and divine on the tongue when served with a little bit of raspberry jam.

And later, when you have, say, and entire afternoon to devote to the construction of a dessert masterpiece, I would suggest trying this beautiful Caramel Pear Terrine.

{photo form Martha Stewart}