Pear Crisp

The Ultimate Pear Crisp

I wanted to start off this week of recipes with one of my favorite winter desserts, a classic crsip.  I'm not the biggest fan of fruit pies, but throw on a crumbly crisp topping instead and I'm sold.  I've always been a sucker for a yummy apple crisp.  However, a few years back I was looking for some new recipes and I stumbled upon this one in a Family Fun magazine.  I love the difference in taste and texture that the pears give this dessert and it is now a family favorite.
Ingredients
• FILLING:
• 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced ripe pears (about 6 large ones)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon chopped candied ginger
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon flour
• TOPPING:
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 400 F. Butter a shallow 9- by 13-inch glass or ceramic casserole and set it aside.
2. Combine the filling ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss them well. Spread the fruit evenly in the casserole and bake it for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, combine the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt in the mixing bowl and toss them well. Add the butter, then use your fingers to rub the ingredients together until everything is well blended.
4. Remove the casserole from the oven and spread the topping evenly over the fruit. Return the casserole to the oven and bake the crisp until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. Then let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Makes 8 servings.