Gingered Pear Crisp

Last night I made a dessert with delicious cold taste and texture. If you prefer a warmer option, try this yummy pear crisp. I halved the amounts in the original recipe, so you can easily double this to serve more people.

In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons golden raisins, 2 tablespoons raw sugar, 1/2 tsp. grated orange rind, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons fresh-squeezed orange juice, 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract. Add 2 cups chopped and peeled Bartlett pear (the pieces should be about 1/2 an inch big), and toss to coat. Spoon into a 1-quart baking dish (or 8x8-inch baking dish) coated with cooking spray. Set aside.

In another bowl, combine 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup regular oats, 2 tablespoons packed organic brown sugar, 1/8 tsp. cinnamon and just a dash of salt. Cut in a tablespoon and a half of vegan butter (such as Earth Balance) until the mixture resembles coarse meal - one of these days, I'm going to buy myself a pastry blender! Until then, the back of a fork or two knives does the trick. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped pecans.

Sprinkle the flour mixture over the pear mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes (the topping should be lightly browned). Let cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack before dishing out servings. A one cup serving is 280 calories, and you'll have enough here for 3. Again, double the recipe if you have a larger crowd - or want leftovers!

Cost:
golden raisins $4.49
orange $0.97
ginger $0.33
vanilla extract $6.29
Bartlett pears $2.00