Boozy Baked Pears With Ginger And Brown Sugar Food

GLAZED PEARS WITH BROWN-SUGAR OAT CRISP AND PEAR-BRANDY SYLLABUB

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pears, sugar, flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, lemon zest and ginger. Mix in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and the vanilla.
• In a large skillet fitted with a lid, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the pear mixture and sauté for 2 minutes. Pour in cup water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook at a gentle boil for 20 minutes. Uncover and simmer, stirring every 10 minutes, until most of the liquid evaporates, about 40 minutes more. Add the remaining lemon juice and keep at a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until the liquid becomes syrupy, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Make the crisp: In a large bowl, combine the flour, almonds, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or 2 forks, then mix the dough with your hands until combined and crumbly. Transfer to a small baking sheet and cook until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir the crisp, then let cool and break into pieces with a wooden spoon.
• Prepare the syllabub: Whisk the cream with an electric mixer until it starts to thicken. If using heavy cream, gradually pour in the sugar. Add the brandy, if you choose, one tablespoon at a time, tasting after each addition. Turn the mixer to high and whip to soft peaks.
• Assemble the dessert: in clear glasses, place a layer of pears, followed by a layer of crisp (about 1/3 cup each per serving). Top each with syllabub and dust with cinnamon. Or assemble in a large trifle bowl.

SLOW-COOKED GINGERED PEARS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the ginger, brown sugar, pecans and lemon zest. Using a melon baller or long-handled spoon, core pears to within 1/4 in. of bottom. Spoon ginger mixture into the center of each. , Place pears upright in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Top each with butter. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until tender. Serve with ice cream and caramel topping if desired.