Years ago, I bought a cookbook entitled, “Instant Gratification” by Lauren Chattman.
This book contains some little gems. We pulled the book off the bookshelf a couple of months ago and have discovered a new favorite for our dessert buffet. It has become an instant hit!
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INGREDIENTS
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(This will make six servings)
2 pounds ripe pears
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (please use the good stuff!)
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
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DIRECTIONS
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Preheat oven to 375.
Peel, halve and core the pears. Slice each half into three or four wedges.
Combine the pears, 1/4 cup of the sugar and the cornstarch in a large bowl. Let this stand (stir occasionally) until the sugar dissolves.
For the crust…..cream together the butter and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a medium size bowl. We use either an electric mixer or the standing mixer for this. Beat until smooth.
Beat in the egg yolk and the vanilla scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Add the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt and stir until just combined.
Spoon pears into a buttered baking dish.
Drop the topping by tablespoons over the pears.
Bake until fruit bubbles and the crust is golden (50 to 55 minutes).
Can serve with whipped cream or ice cream—or, it’s great just as it is!
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The William Henry Miller Inn
http://www.millerinn.com
Lynnette Scofield
Bed and Breakfast Foodie
