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Happy Halloween and a Brandied Pear Crisp

Happy Halloween Everyone,

It’s funny how people either love Halloween or hate it. I personally love it. I’ve been a theater geek since I was a little girl, so give me the opportunity to dress in costume and I’m all over it. I also had a mother who could sew just about anything and made some pretty fabulous costumes for me when I was a kid.

The picture on the left was taken two years ago at a annual Halloween party put on by our friends, Jason and Nancy. I was a Black Widow Spider and Peter was a Fly. My kids came up with the idea of wrapping him in a web, which I loved. The only downside was he kept sticking to everyone he brushed up against.

I had my chance this past weekend to express my inner Goddess as you can see below.

I’m getting an early start to the day here. I’ve got nerd pants to hem for my son and a pork shoulder to get in the crock pot for Pulled Pork later tonight. The kids and I made “Pigeon Poop” (don’t ask) the other day for their class parties. So, we’re ready to get on with the festivities.

Here’s another gorgeous picture and recipe from Delicious Orchards. I’m not in charge of desert tonight, but if I was, this is a perfect fall dish. Enjoy.

Brandied Pear Crisp

1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup brandy
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into bits
2 pounds firm-ripe pears, peeled, cored and sliced thin
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon granulated sugar
Vanilla ice cream as an accompaniment (optional)

In a bowl blend together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, butter, and 2 tablespoons of the brandy.

In another bowl toss the pears with the remaining 2 tablespoons brandy, lemon juice and the granulated sugar. Turn the mixture into a well buttered shallow 14 by 12 inch gratin dish.

Spread the oat mixture evenly over the pears. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until the pears are tender and the topping is crisp. Serve the dessert with ice cream if desired.

Makes 6 servings.

Delicious Orchards
The Country Food Market
Route 34
Colts Neck NJ 07722
732-462-1989

Friday, October 31st, 2008, by Deborah Smith, Executive Editor and is filed under "Desserts ". You can leave a response here, or send a Trackback from your own site.