Rustic Pear Pie

This beautiful pie I actually entered in a pear contest. Although I didn't win the contest, I did receive a beautiful gift basket :)

It is one of my kids favorite desserts. We scoop vanilla bean ice cream on top, within minutes it's devoured. It is heavenly, and will be for your family I am sure. 

 What's nice about this pie is you can use whatever fruit you like. I follow the same exact steps when I make it with apples. Just substitute the pears with apples instead. I do apologize I don't have step by step pictures. The directions are pretty simple.

 

Ingredients:

Dough

2 Cups all purpose flour

2/3 Cup cold shortening

3 Tbsp. cold water

½ tsp. salt

1 Egg for egg wash

1 Tbsp. sugar for sprinkling

Pie Filling

3 USA, Bosc Pears (about 1 lb.) pealed, cored and medium diced

Juice of ½ a lemon

4 Tbsp. butter

½ tsp. orange zest

½ Cup brown sugar

2 tsp. orange liquor

1 Cup heavy cream

Creamy Pear Sauce

2 Cups water

2 USA Bartlett Pears, pealed, cored and diced

1/3 Cup brown sugar

¼ Cup heavy cream

 

Directions:

Dough:

1. Start by making the dough. In a food processor pulse all the ingredients, till well combined.
2. Remove and roll out on lightly floured flat surface.
3. Roll dough out enough to form four round 5-6 inch circles. 
4. Place on parchment paper and in the cooler for at least 20 minutes.

Pie Filling:

1. Peal, core and cut pears in medium cubes. Place in a bowl with juice of ½ a lemon.
2. Heat sauce pan on stove. Add the butter and melt.
3. When butter is melted add the pears. Caramelize the pears in butter, for about 3 minutes.
4. Add the brown sugar and orange zest. Mix till sugar has melted into the pears.
5. Add cream and let cook till the sauce begins to thicken for about 3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat add the liquor and set aside to cool.
7. In meantime make the Pear Sauce.

Pear Sauce:

1. Combine all ingredients except cream on stove bring to boil, until the pears are cooked all the way through.
2. Remove and place in a deep bowl or food processor.
3. Add the cream and puree.

 

Assemble the pie:

1. Drain the pears from the caramel sauce. Be sure to reserve the sauce, and set aside.
2.  On a cookie sheet place parchment paper, lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
3. Place the pie discs onto the cookies sheet.
4. Divide the pear mixture among the four pie discs. Make sure to leave 1 ½ inches visible edge.
5. Fold the edges of the pie on the pears. Over lap the pie edges to create an attractive appearance.
6. Brush egg wash on the pie, and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake at 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes or the pie is golden brown.
8. Let cool.
9. Place the pie on a dish. Pour reserved caramel sauce into each pie. Place the pear sauce along with a scoop of whipped cream.
10. Enjoy, and be you!