Glazed Pears With Brown-Sugar Oat Crisp and Pear-Brandy Syllabub

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pears, sugar, flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, lemon zest and ginger. Mix in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and the vanilla.

2. Step 2

   In a large skillet fitted with a lid, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the pear mixture and sauté for 2 minutes. Pour in cup water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook at a gentle boil for 20 minutes. Uncover and simmer, stirring every 10 minutes, until most of the liquid evaporates, about 40 minutes more. Add the remaining lemon juice and keep at a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until the liquid becomes syrupy, 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Step 3

   Make the crisp: In a large bowl, combine the flour, almonds, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or 2 forks, then mix the dough with your hands until combined and crumbly. Transfer to a small baking sheet and cook until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir the crisp, then let cool and break into pieces with a wooden spoon.

4. Step 4

   Prepare the syllabub: Whisk the cream with an electric mixer until it starts to thicken. If using heavy cream, gradually pour in the sugar. Add the brandy, if you choose, one tablespoon at a time, tasting after each addition. Turn the mixer to high and whip to soft peaks.

5. Step 5

   Assemble the dessert: in clear glasses, place a layer of pears, followed by a layer of crisp (about ⅓ cup each per serving). Top each with syllabub and dust with cinnamon. Or assemble in a large trifle bowl.