Peppered Rosemary Pear Crisp

I recently came across a recipe for rosemary pear crisp. I love rosemary - and the woodsy, pine-sy (is that a word?) scent is just right for the holidays. Rosemary is one of those great herbs that can do just as well in sweet and savory dishes. The combination of rosemary, lemon, and pear - topped with pepper was just enough to intrigue me - reminiscent of one of my favorite kinds of chocolate: dark chocolate with lemon and pepper. There's just something about that unexpected kick that hooks me immediately. 

This delight of this recipe is in the unexpected - pears with a subtle rosemary perfume, just enough rich streusel, topped off with a peppery surprise. To top it off, there's little added sugar, so this is something you can feel good about eating for dessert and breakfast! 

The ingredients for this are simple - pears, rosemary, lemon, pepper, and a simple streusel topping. I wanted the pears and rosemary to be the stars of the show, so I modified the recipe slightly, cutting down the amount of streusel sprinkled on top. If you want more streusel, just double the ingredients for it. So without further ado...

Lemon Rosemary Pear Crisp

4 Bosc pears 

Juice of half a lemon

2 sprigs rosemary

1/4 cup oats (quick or rolled are both fine)

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp butter

1/8 tsp salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Cube pears into bite-sized pieces (approximately 1 inch cubes)

2. Toss pears with lemon juice

3. Lightly spray the bottom of your pan and place the two rosemary sprigs at the bottom

4. Mix the whole wheat flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter and use a fork to combine until a coarse streusel mixture forms

5. Add pears to pan, placing them on top of the rosemary sprigs. Top with streusel

6. Crack some freshly ground pepper (generously!) over the streusel

7. Bake for 40 minutes, or until pears give when pierced

8. Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt - and enjoy. 

Hope the little bit of spice keeps you warm during these chilly days - Happy holidays!