On My Street

I’m not always a fan of graffiti, but I have been enjoying this for the last couple days.

I like how it’s painted onto wallpaper. Clever! It’s not uncommon for there to be boarded up buildings around here.

And I’ve been meaning to take a picture of this sign for awhile. Whenever I think of it, I’m scared it will disappear before I have a chance.

I love these molded-plastic signs, and I love this one’s simplicity. And the lettering.

Pear Crisp with Pistachios and Cardamom

For years, I have made a pear compote with pistachios and cardamom. Last fall, as the pears were dwindling, I wondered why I’d never thought to make it into another kind of dessert, like a cobbler or crisp or cake, and I made a promise to try it next season.

So, thinking that it would take a few attempts, I figured I’d better get started. I made this crisp first,  and besides a single tweak (I would try more cardamom next time,) I love how it turned out! The pears are at the forefront, and the salty pistachios that sit on top taste so great with the ice cream. I have made the pear dessert of my dreams!

Filling:

• 4 or 5 pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (I’m going to try 1 1/2 tsp. next time)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice (I used a drop of lemon oil, because that’s what I had on hand)

Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pistachios

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

For the Filling:

• Mix all the ingredients together. Place into a buttered 9 inch square pan.

For topping:

Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in large bowl. Blend the butter into the mixture until it forms pea-sized lumps. Sprinkle over filling, then sprinkle remaining pistachios over the topping.

Bake crisp for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving. I like it with vanilla ice cream.