Core pears. Pare off a half-inch-wide strip of peel around stem end.

Set pears upright in a nine-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice.

Mix margarine, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Divide mixture evenly among pear centers, packing in lightly. Distribute any remaining mixture in clumps in bottom of dish.

Pour water into dish and cover lightly with foil. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until pears are tender when pierced, 35–40 minutes. Spoon any sauce remaining in baking dish over pears and serve warm.