Americans have an irrational obsession with pie--any kind of pie. Apple, lemon, chocolate, even chicken pot pie. Single crust, double crust, lattice topped, crumb topped, meringue, and whipped cream topped. The choices and possibilities are endless.
My Pear Crumb Pie is a recipe I came up with just for my wife. My son loves apples, but she prefers the milder flavor of pears. This recipe uses D'Anjou pears, but Bartlett pears would work just as well. The key to a good pear pie is to use the pears that are not quite ripe enough to be really juicy. Soft, juicy pears fall apart and turn to mush, while harder pears hold their shape and even retain some of their firmness after baking. Just under the crumb topping is an additional surprise: one half of a cup of chopped walnuts for a little crunch and flavor. The crumb topping allows the walnuts to toast, but prevents them from being scorched while the pie is in the oven. If desired, top this with a little drizzle of caramel sauce.
Pear Crumb Pie
1/2 recipe Basic Pie Crust
6 pears, peeled and sliced
1 cup flour
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup walnut pieces
2 Tbsp butter
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare pie crust for single crust pie. In large mixing bowl, toss together pears, 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pour pear mixture into prepared pie crust and distribute evenly. Top with walnuts.
In small mixing bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Using pastry cutter or fork, work in butter. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over top of pie.
Bake in 375 degree F oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until top is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool.
Hi John~ I'm stopping by today to tell you that I have nominated you for The Liebster Award. For more info on this award go to: http://www.turnips2tangerines.com/2013/03/liebster-award-nomination.html Lynn~
ReplyDeleteYour pie looks totally yummy, and what a nice change of pace from the usual apple. Thank you so much for sharing with Saturday Spotlight last week. I hope you come by today to share more of your awesome creations!
ReplyDeletehttp://angelshomestead.com/
April
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteWe would just your Pear Crumb Pie, it has awesome flavor! Hope you are having a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Have been looking for a recipe with pears - thanks a lot! Looking forward to trying it this weekend!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day