4 old pear preserves Recipes

heavy whipping cream, whole milk, sugar, egg yolks, all purpose flour, amaretto or other almond liqueur, vanilla extract, salt, firm but ripe bosc pears (about 3 1/4 lb), peeled , halved lengthwise, cored, sugar, fresh lemon juice, day-old soft ladyfingers (from about three 3-oz packages), coarsely crushed amaretti cookies (italian macaroons)* or almond macaroons (about 4 oz), apricot fruit spread (100% spreadable fruit) or apricot preserves, brandy, amaretto or other almond liqueur, chilled whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, sliced almonds, toasted, fresh mint sprigs (optional)