For cake: Finely chop pears to equal 1 ½ cups. Cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until mixture is well blended. Combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda; add to mixture alternately with milk. Stir in chopped pears and nuts. Turn into greased 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Spread Broiled Maple Topping over warm cake. Broil 2 to 3 minutes (watching carefully) or until bubbly.

For topping: Melt butter in small saucepan. Remove from heat. Stir in brown sugar, milk, maple syrup, flaked coconut, and chopped nuts. (yield: Makes about 1 ½ cups)