Ingredients:

  • 6 medium firm pears, peeled and sliced (approx 3 lbs / 1.3 kg)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, 1/3 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. Toss gently until the pears are coated in a matte, spiced film.
  4. Pour the pear mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish, spreading them evenly.
  5. In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, 1 cup brown sugar, and salt.
  6. Add the chilled, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or forks, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like wet sand with a few pea-sized lumps of butter remaining.
  7. Scatter the topping evenly over the pears and press down very lightly with your palms.
  8. Bake on the center rack for 35–40 minutes, or until the fruit edges are bubbling and the topping is deep mahogany-gold.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the crisp rest for 10 minutes to allow the fruit juices to set.