Don't get me wrong, I love classic pies. But sometimes you want something different. Perfect for an unusual winter dessert, this streusel offers the best crunchy brown sugar-oat topping I've ever tasted
(and I've had a lot of crunchy brown sugar-oat toppings). Usually you can still taste the grittiness of pears when they're baked, but the cranberry sauce in this recipe smoothes out the filling's texture. The pie crust (
pâte brisée) is moist but impressively holds its shape. A definite step forward from supermarket apple pie.
2.25 cups + 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup + 1/2 teaspoon sugar
1.25 teaspoons salt
16 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 pound)
3/4 cup water
6 ounces cranberries (1.5 cups)
1 cinnamon stick
3/4 cup light brown sugar (5.25 ounces)
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1.5 pounds Bosc pears
1 lemon