Caramel Pear Pudding Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
4 medium pears, peeled and chopped, or
    1 (16 ounce) can pears, drained and chopped
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup boiling water
Ice cream or Cool Whip (optional)

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

In large mixing bowl stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Add milk; beat until smooth. Stir in pears and pecans. Turn into an ungreased 2-quart casserole.

In bowl combine brown sugar, butter and boiling water; pour evenly over batter. Bake for 45 minutes.

Serve hot with ice cream.