Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a shallow 1- to 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Core pears and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices to yield 2 1/2 cups. Toast walnuts and chop coarsely.

Combine fruit, juice, water, zest and sugar; gently toss to combine.

Combine nuts, crumbs and butter. Scatter about 1/2 cup of the mixture in the baking dish. Top with a third of the pear mixture. Dot top with lima bean-size pieces of cheese (use half of the cheese). Top with another layer of crumbs, then continue layering, ending with a fruit layer topped with remaining crumbs. Press mixture down gently but firmly.

Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

Uncover and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 8.

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