Pear and Cranberry Individual Pies

INGREDIENTS

2 lb

(about 4) Bosc firm pears, peeled, cored, cubed into 1-inch pieces

1/3 cup

fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2

inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled, and finely minced

1/4 cup

granulated vanilla sugar

1/4 tsp

ground cardamom

1/2 tsp

ground cinnamon

2 tbsp

unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

1/2 tsp

almond extract

9-inch pie crusts

coarse sugar, optional