Now that the whirlwind of the holidays has ended, I am able to focus on blogging and baking once again. As the first bake of the new year, I decided to make something out of an Ina Garten cookbook. After looking over her recipe index, I decided that a fall/winter fruit dessert would be the perfect choice. So, Pear, Apple, and Cranberry Crisp!

Making It

This dessert is super simple with only a handful of ingredients. However, peeling, coring, and cutting both apples and pears was a bit time-consuming. But once the prep work was done, it did come together easily. I also enjoyed the fact that I was able to use my stand mixer to make the topping. Even though my stand mixer is used pretty regularly in my kitchen now (to be honest, I think we’re getting to the point of me needing a replacement), I always enjoy bringing it out and using it. Though they are a financial investment, even hobby bakers can find uses for them. (Did you know that they can help you make amazing mashed potatoes, too?!?!)

Anyway, enough about my stand mixer.

There was only a few spices in the fruit mixture. Cinnamon and nutmeg were added in modest amount. What really tied this dessert together and gave it that classic Ina Garten depth of flavor she’s famous for is the notes of citrus. Using zest and juice of both orange and lemon, the dessert is taken to a whole new level. It’s what makes this dessert stand apart from being basic. Pears, apples, and cranberries pair beautifully with oranges and lemons and the subtlety of the juice (there’s only about 3 tablespoons between the two fruits) really ties everything together.

Over the Christmas holiday, I received many baking-related gifts. Nonstick silicon pads for baking sheets, new baking sheets, new cake pans, and wonderful fluted ramekins. I was so excited to have a chance to use them! Ina often makes her dinner guests their own individual portion in a ramekin. So, I was able to emulate her with this dish. The remaining fruit filling and crisp topping went into a small glass dish.

When I took them out of the oven, they were wonderfully golden on top. The sides of the ramekins were dripping with the fruit mixtures. They looked and smelled irresistible. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it!

The Verdict

This fall-themed dessert was extremely satisfying. Despite it’s somewhat labor-intense beginnings, it does come together easily and quickly. I live in an area where apples and pears are available pretty much year-round. Since the recipe uses dried cranberries, this dessert can be made anytime of year. However, due to the notes of nutmeg in the final product, it kind of screams fall/winter. Whenever you make it, it is sure to delight and impress whoever has the opportunity to taste it.