Sugar!

Some ripe pears prompted a little creative thinking (if I may say so): maybe two cups of sugar, heated until it completely melted and turned a light mahogany. Add a little cream and butter, then stir in the pears and - at the last minute decide to slice in an even riper banana. Make some ice milk in the ice cream maker with 4c milk, 1c sugar and 2t vanilla and you have an outrageously rich dessert (and CHEAP).