Skillet Apple and Pear Crisp

This recipe is based on one by James Boyce. I cut down the topping and made a few other tweaks that I think you will enjoy as much as I did. This is definitely a comfort dessert, good for cold nights with friends or family. You could serve with some vanilla yogurt or ice cream if you wanted.

You will need:

• 3/4 c brown sugar, packed and divided
• 1/4 c flour
• 1/4 c old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 c walnuts
• 3 t cinnamon, divided
• 1/4 t nutmeg
• 4 T cold butter, cut into cubes
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored and cubed
• 2 pears, peeled, cored and cubed
• 1/4 t ground cardamom
• 1/4 c honey, scant
• 2 T whiskey (optional)

Then you will…

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a cast iron skillet (preferably 12-inch).
2. Combine 1/2 up of the brown sugar with the flour, oats, walnuts, 1 t cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter in a food processor.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the apples, pears, remaining brown sugar and cinnamon, cardamom, honey and whiskey (if using).
4. Pour the apple filling into the prepared skillet. Top with the crumb mixture.
5. Bake 1 hour, until bubbling and golden.