One of the things I love about Autumn is that it is apple season. When my sons were young we used to take them apple picking on one of the most beautiful farms. The farm also had a hay-ride, which my boys looked forward to every year. It would take us up these long steep hills, where we could enjoy the vibrant colors of the leaves that had turned yellow, red, golden brown and orange. 

I grew up in a town in New York that was very flat, with no hills or mountains. When I first moved to New Jersey, I remember being mesmerized my first fall. One weekend, I took my parents out on a highway with winding roads so they could enjoy the amazing autumn colors that I fell in love with. It quickly became my favorite season.

I love baking with apples. When we would bring freshly picked apples home from that farm, I would bake away! I wasn’t much of an apple dessert fan until I started baking with the freshly picked ones. Combine the apples or pears with cinnamon, butter, brown sugar, and ice cream and it is nothing short of magical. 

I know it is pear season as, well, which is why I thought this recipe is perfect.

The combination of the apples and pears with the orange and lemon juice and zest is perfection. It gives them a nice tart flavor that blends beautifully. The nutmeg and cinnamon provide that savory goodness that is always in harmony with apples and pears. The oatmeal, butter and brown sugar are the perfect topping for this delectable treat. As always, Ina’s recipe is impeccable.

This recipe is courtesy of Ina Garten and its mouthwatering goodness will immerse 8 people into the autumn spirit.

Ingredients for Apple and Pear Crisp:

2 pounds Bosc pears (4 pears)
2 pounds firm Macoun apples (6 apples)
1 tsp. grated orange zest
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
2 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

For the topping:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced

Preheat oven to 350F.

Peel, core and cut the pears and apples into large chunks.

Place fruit in a large bowl and add the zests, juices, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and the nutmeg.

Pour into a 9 x 12 by 2-inch oval baking dish.

For the topping:

Combine the flour, sugars. salt, oatmeal, and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

Mix on low speed for 1 minute, until the mixture is in large crumbles.

Sprinkle evenly over the fruit, covering the fruit completely.

Serve warm.

It’s that simple!