Cranberry Pear Crisp

Cranberry Pear Crisp Recipe - USA | Brown Rice, Pears, Cranberries, and More!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cranberry Pear Crisp is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of pears. This recipe is perfect for the fall and winter months when these fruits are in season.

History

The combination of cranberries and pears in a crisp is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe is a modern twist on the traditional fruit crisp, adding cooked brown rice for a unique and nutritious twist.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups diced peeled pears
1 cup fresh or frozen chopped cranberries
0.5 cup packed brown sugar, divided
0.33 cup flour, divided
vegetable cooking spray
0.25 cup rolled oats
3 tbsp butter or margarine
0.25 cup chopped pecans
0.25 cup flaked coconut

How to prepare

Combine rice, pears, cranberries, 0.33 cup of sugar, and 2 tbsp of flour.
Place the rice mixture in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish coated with cooking spray; set it aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour, remaining sugar, and oats.
Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Add pecans and coconut, and blend well.
Sprinkle the mixture over the rice mixture.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Serve warm.

Variations

You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping for extra flavor.
Try using different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a different taste.
Experiment with different fruits, such as apples or berries, in place of the pears and cranberries.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe pears for the best flavor and texture in this recipe.

- You can use fresh or frozen cranberries, depending on what is available.

- Be sure to coat your baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Pear Crisp is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is baking the crisp in the oven until it is heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brown rice on hand, you can use white rice or quinoa instead. You can also use butter in place of margarine if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice mixture and topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Cranberry Pear Crisp in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. You can also garnish with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Pairing Recommendations

This Cranberry Pear Crisp pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Cranberry Pear Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Cranberry Pear Crisp contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

This Cranberry Pear Crisp recipe is a great source of carbohydrates, with the brown rice, pears, and cranberries providing a healthy dose of complex carbs.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the margarine, pecans, and coconut. These fats add richness and flavor to the dish.

Proteins

While this recipe is not high in protein, the pecans and coconut do provide some protein to help balance out the meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Pears are a good source of vitamin C and fiber, while cranberries are packed with antioxidants. The nuts in this recipe also provide healthy fats and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and coconut, so be mindful of any nut allergies when serving this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Cranberry Pear Crisp is a nutritious and delicious dessert option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Cranberry Pear Crisp is a delicious and nutritious dessert that is perfect for the fall and winter months. With a combination of tart cranberries, sweet pears, and a crispy topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and orange, and the air was filled with the earthy scent of fallen leaves. I had been invited to a friend's house for a cozy dinner, and she had prepared a delicious Cranberry Pear Crisp for dessert.

As I took my first bite, I was immediately drawn in by the sweet and tangy flavors of the cranberries and pears, topped with a crispy oatmeal crumble. It was the perfect combination of tart and sweet, warm and comforting. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this delicious dessert.

I asked my friend for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. She told me that she had learned how to make Cranberry Pear Crisp from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I was inspired by the idea of carrying on this tradition and adding my own twist to the recipe.

I started experimenting in my own kitchen, using the basic ingredients and measurements from my friend's recipe but adding my own flair. I found that I preferred a little more cinnamon and nutmeg in the crumble topping, and I liked to add a splash of orange juice to the fruit mixture to enhance the flavors.

As I perfected my recipe, I shared it with my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious it was. They encouraged me to enter it into a local baking competition, and to my surprise, I won first place! I was thrilled to see how much people enjoyed my Cranberry Pear Crisp, and it gave me the confidence to continue exploring new recipes and techniques in the kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Cranberry Pear Crisp for countless family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. It has become a beloved dessert in our family, and I am always happy to share the recipe with anyone who asks.

I have since learned that there are many variations of Cranberry Pear Crisp, each with its own unique twist. Some people like to add a crumble topping made with chopped pecans or walnuts, while others prefer to mix in a handful of dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.

No matter how you choose to make it, Cranberry Pear Crisp is a versatile and delicious dessert that is sure to please even the most discerning palates. I am grateful to my friend for introducing me to this wonderful recipe, and I look forward to passing it down to future generations of bakers in our family.

So the next time you find yourself craving a sweet and tangy dessert that captures the flavors of autumn, give Cranberry Pear Crisp a try. I promise you won't be disappointed!