Nutty Pear Tart

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups whole raw almonds (not blanched)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, room temperature
• 2 tsp finely minced fresh ginger*
• 3 firm, but ripe, small pears (Bartlett, Bosc and Anjou are good choices)
• 1 Tbsp whipping cream, for brushing the pears
• 1 Tbsp coarse raw or granulated sugar