Roasted Pears with Espresso Mascarpone Cream

INGREDIENTS

• 1 vanilla bean
• 1/4-1/3 cup sugar
• 4 pears, any variety (or 8 pears if you use Seckel)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup mascarpone
• 2-3 tablespoons espresso, chilled
• ground almonds, for finishing (optional)
• cocoa powder, for finishing