With autumn comes a new crop of pears...and time to make deliciously comforting desserts like this one.

Pear Cinnamon Crumble

Filling:
6 cups peeled, thinly sliced firm-ripe pears or Granny Smith apples
1/4 cup apple juice or water
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping:
1 cup quick or old fashioned oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Vanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream for accompaniment (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square glass baking dish; set aside.
2. In large bowl, combine pears and juice. Add sugar, flour and cinnamon; stir until fruit is evenly coated. Spoon into prepare baking dish.
3. In medium bowl, combine topping ingredients and mix well. Sprinkle evenly over pears.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until pears are tender.
5. Serve warm with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 8 servings.