Erika's Fresh Pear Tart

I have pears coming out of my ears! Our kind neighbors across the street let us have all the pears on their tree. To thank them, I have been looking for a nice little something to make them. After looking at several recipes online, I took a little of this and that from them and made my own recipe. Not only is this dessert impressive and nice to look at, it also tastes fabulous and it's so easy to make--fool proof! You can use fresh or canned pears, whatever you have.

CRUST:
1/2 c cold butter
1/3 c sugar
1/4 t almond extract (or vanilla)
3/4 c flour
2/3 c quick oats

FILLING:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 c sugar
1 egg
1/2 t almond or vanilla extract
3-4 fresh pears, peeled and sliced
cinnamon sugar
whipped cream

-Mix all crust ingredients with a pastry blender until small crumbs. Press into a 10" tart/flan pan (with removable sides) covering bottom and up the sides.
-With an electric mixer, beat first 4 filling ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour into crust and spread evenly.
-Arrange pear slices in a pretty design on top and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
-Bake at 450 for 10 minutes. Then turn down heat to 400 and bake for another 25 minutes.
-Place on cooling rack and let cool slightly. Remove sides and serve warm with whipped cream for garnish, if desired.
-Serves 8.