Buttermilk Spice Cake with Pear Compote and Crème Fraîche

Ingredients

• 17 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¹/₈ teaspoon ground whole star anise*
• ¹/₈ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¹/₈ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¹/₈ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 3 Bosc pears
• + 14 more ingredients
• • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon (scant) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • Large pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 ½ cups crème frache**
  • Powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ teaspoon finely grated lime peel
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 3-inch piece vanilla bean, split lengthwise
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

Mix sugar, lime juice, and salt in heavy large saucepan. Add pears and toss gently to coat. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until pears are just tender, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer mixture to bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill until cold, then cover and keep ...

View full recipe at Epicurious