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Blogs / yum! / Winter 2010 / Pear Crisp

yum!

A blog about food

Pear Crisp

I am one of those foodies. Yes, those. The ones that somehow talk about food in every conversation, and who never really tell themselves, “No Lil, You cannot enjoy that dollop of butter-covered chocolate scone,” and who just love food.

Everything about it—the nourishment, the flavor, texture, the simple act of chewing, the wonderful feeling of being sated. I am fine with enjoying a meal like a favorite pastime and perfectly happy with my five extra pounds (I should say “No” more often) because as soon as I say that I am on a diet—I reach for the cooking lard. I don’t know why I react this way. I am sure I am a psychologist’s dream. But this is the reason that, after one day of dieting, my salad was already thrown in the trash and I had ordered the noodley goodness of Thai.

Though obviously not a big dieter, I am an avid breakfast eater. Go figure. And this meal is where I am going to trick myself into a healthier regime. I no longer say “diet.” I have no real New Year’s resolutions other than the fact I would like to be kinder to my body. So though my co-workers teased me horribly, I searched online for a healthy breakfast. Atkinsons’ keeps having sales on pears, and when the Asian ones went to 49 cents a pound, I grabbed a big bag. My first idea was pear pie, but I decided that if I could have something similar in the morning–I would be able to curb my 3 p.m. quest for afternoon coffee or chocolate. For counters, this recipe does have more calories than a light yogurt portion—but less than an egg and cheese breakfast sando, so like everything, it is a trade-off. Enjoy!

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Granola-Topped Pear Crisp

When I googled, I found Taste of Home, and though I loved their recipe, I have adapted it to my tastes. 8 Servings Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min.

4 medium pears, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup peach chutney, warmed
1/4 cup applesauce, warmed

TOPPING:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 cup granola with nuts (and fruits are good as well)
1/2 cup rolled oates

Place pears in a large bowl; sprinkle with cornstarch and toss to coat.  Stir in chutney and applesauce just until combined. Transfer to an 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. For topping, in a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and nutmeg. Cut in butter until crumbly; stir in granola. Sprinkle over fruit mixture. Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and fruit is tender. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving equals 244 calories, 7 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 11 mg cholesterol, 132 mg sodium, 46 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 2 g protein. See - not too bad!