Spiced Pear Pie

The popularity of the pear dates back to ancient times. While the Greek poet Homer referred to pears as a “gift of the gods,” others were developing new varieties of cultivated pears in Rome. Over the years, hundreds of different varieties have been introduced. Today the Bartlett pear is the most popular variety in the United States.

The Health benefits of pears are numerous too. They are rich in vitamin C, with antioxidant properties and filled with fiber. Studies have also shown that eating pears helps protenct women against breast cancer, lowers blood pressure and may reduce the chances of a stoke, and good for colon heath—to name just a few! So Homer was right on track—a true gift from the gods!

Pie Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ tsp. salt

1 ½ sticks unsalted butter

¼ cup ice water

Sift flour and salt together. Cut the chilled butter and margarine into small bits and add to the flour. Work flour and butter together. Add ice water slowly to the pastry, and press pastry together into a ball. Chill dough for at least one hour.

Pear Mixture

4-5 medium sized pears, sliced

½ cup sugar

1 ½ tbsp. flour

½ cup sugar

½ tbsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. cinnamon

This recipe makes one 9-inch pie. Make pie dough and chill for at least one hour. Roll out dough and place into pie pan. Fill pie shell with sliced pears. Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon and dot with butter. Roll out remaining pastry and cover and cover the pastry top, seal and crimp rim, then slice a few vents on the top. Bake pie for 45 minutes, or until crust is lightly browned.