Terra Americana

What a gorgeous day, the skies are a glistening blue and the sun beeming brightly.  It was a balmy 7 f at 8 this morning.  By mid day a heat wave of 15 f had taken hold.  The outdoors is beckoning.  Charlie and I are off to climb a mountain.  But before we go this winter treat hits the oven.

• 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup Almond Flour
• 1/4 cup Brown Rice Flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup Coconut Oil
• 5 anjou pears, sliced (I like them with skins on)
• 3/4 cup dried fruit (my favorite is a combination of diced apricots and Craisins)
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
• 1 tsp Russian Mulling Spice

Optional - Roast sliced pears in a 425 F oven for 25 minutes.  Allow to cool.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease an 8 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine syrup, oats, flour, salt and oil. Mix until crumbly.  Spread the fruit and nuts evenly in the greased pan. Sprinkle with Russian Mulling Spice and top with crumb mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 40min, or until golden brown.

Perfect Pear Pairings:

• Harvest fruit polenta

• Grilled Caramelized Pears

• Bread Pudding with Pears and Dried Cranberries

• Johnny Cake Cobbler, with a dash of cranberries

Photo Credit: Julie Cecchini