Emily Miller's Pear Kuchen

This is another dish I brought to the Christmas Eve party. Who knows who Emily Miller is, but I figure I should give her credit for this different-but-delicious dessert. It's not difficult to make, and the flavor is perfect for fall and winter.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 c. butter, softened (not melted)
1 pkg. white or yellow cake mix
1/2 c. shredded coconut
1 29-oz can pear halves, drained
1/2 c. sugar
1 T. cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
2 c. sour cream
2 eggs

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350°. Mix together the butter, cake mix, and coconut until well blended (will be crumbly). Press mixture into a greased 9x13 pan, and bring up sides a bit. Bake 10 minutes.

While crust is baking, slice pears lengthwise (6-8 slices per pear half) and set aside. Combine sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small dish and set aside. Using a whisk, slightly beat the two eggs, then add in sour cream and blend until creamy.

Remove crust from oven (but leave oven on). Arrange pear slices over the crust in an even layer, slightly overlapping if needed. Sprinkle sugar mix over the top to cover pears. Now pour creamy mixture over everything and return the pan to the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°. Cool slightly, then cut into bars. Can be served warm or chilled.