How To: Make pear ginger upside-down cake

Before you start this recipe, make sure you have the proper pan: You'll need a 9- or 10-inch cake pan with sides that are at least 2 inches tall. (Most standard 9-inch cake pans have 1-inch sides, which will leave you with overflowing batter.) If you strike out in the cake pan department, an ovenproof skillet with similar dimensions will work. This cake is so fabulous, I would strongly consider buying a 9 by 2-inch cake pan especially for this recipe. It's surprisingly easy to make, and as a finale for a holiday dinner party it is as dramatic as it is delectable. Best warm from the oven, it will still taste good at room temperature. It retains its peak flavor and texture throughout the day it's made.