Pear Cobbler

1/2 c. Sugar 1/3 c. Sharp cheddar, shredded 1/4 tsp. Nutmeg 1 tbs. Sugar 1 tbs. Cornstarch 1 1/2 tsp. Baking powder 4 c. Pears, cut up 1/2 tsp. Salt 1 tsp. Lemon juice 3 tbs. Shortening 1 c. Flour 1/2 c. Milk Blend 1/2 c. sugar, the nutmeg and cornstarch in small saucepan. Stir in pears and lemon juice. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute. Pour mixture into a 2 qt. casserole. Heat oven to 400F. Stir together flour, cheese, 1 T. sugar, the baking powder and salt. Add shortening and milk. Cut through shortening with fork 6 times; mix until dough forms a ball. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto hot fruit. Bake 25-30 min. or until biscuit topping is golden. Serve warm and, if desired, with cream.