Almond Pear-Blueberry Cake

INGREDIENTS

medium Anjou pears, about 2-1/4 pounds

1/3 cup

dried blueberries

1/4 cup

crystalized ginger, finely chopped

1/4 cup

brandy

2 tbsp

unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup

vegetable oil

1 tsp

fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped

1 1/2 cups

granulated sugar

1 tbsp

lemon zest, about 1 lemon, freshly grated

3/4 cup

slivered almonds, chopped and toasted

1 tsp

ground ginger

1/4 tsp

five spice powder

large eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup

matzo cake meal

1/4 cup

almond flour or almond meal

1/4

sliced almonds (topping)