Ground nutmeg and cinnamon enhance the flavor of the pears in this simple fruit pie.

Pear Pie

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 pears, peeled, cored and sliced
Pastry for 1 (9-inch) double-crust pie
2 tablespoons butter
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl; add pears and toss to coat evenly.
3. Roll pastry dough flat on a floured surface and form two 9-inch circles. Place one circle in a pie pan; add pears and dot with butter. Moisten edges of pie crust and place second circle on top. Cut off any excess pastry and crimp the edges.
4. Brush top crust with egg white and sprinkle with sugar. Cut 4 slits in top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake for 25 minutes (if the edges brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil).
6. Reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes more or until golden brown and bubbly. Cool before cutting.

Makes 8 servings.