i was recently gifted a massive bag of pears and apples from a friend’s backyard to make pear butter, and quickly realized given the quantity of fruit provided, we were in for a little more than just butter.

i had every intention of making a pear pie, but didn’t quite have time to make pie crusts. so i settled for a crumble - which is to pie, what fritatta is to quiche. (does anyone else remember those SAT questions?)

this crumble was DEFINITELY the right call - served warm it is sweet, cinammon-y, with just the right amount of texture from the topping. all kinds of fall in your mouth.

recipe adapted from the pioneer woman

| ingredients |

4-5 large, firm pears

2/3 cups sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cardamom

optional: homemade salted caramel sauce

for topping:

1 cup flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2/3 cup oats

1 stick butter, melted

| method |

preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a pie or quiche dish.

peel, core and cut pears into equal pieces - approximately 1/2 inch in size. toss the pear pieces in the sugar and spices.

in a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the dry topping ingredients, then drizzle the melted butter in. stir until you get large crumbles.

dump the pear pieces into your prepared pie pan, top with a couple spoonfuls of caramel (optional) then layer the crumble topping over the entire dish.

bake at 350 for 30 minutes - then turn the oven off, and leave the crumble in 10 minutes more, allowing the top to crisp/brown a little.

serve warm with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.