Ginger-Pear Upside-Down Pie

Prepare to be enchanted by the delightful combination of ginger and pears in the Ginger-Pear Upside-Down Pie—a unique and refreshing twist on traditional pie recipes. Marcy Kamery from Blasdell, New York, crafted this delightful dessert to showcase the wonderful flavors of pears, which are often underrepresented in the world of pies. With 45 minutes of preparation, 1 hour of baking, and some chilling time, you can create a masterpiece that serves 8 people.

INGREDIENTS:

CRUST

• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ⅔ cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ⅓ to ½ cup ice water

NUT MIXTURE

• ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter, melted

FILLING

• 6 cups sliced peeled fresh pears
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

PREPARATIONS:

1. Line the bottom and sides of a greased 9-inch deep-dish pie plate with parchment paper, then coat it with cooking spray.
2. For the crust, combine cake flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Add white vinegar, then gradually add ice water, tossing with a fork until the dough forms a ball.
3. Divide the dough in half, making one portion slightly larger than the other. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes until easy to handle.
4. Combine chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter for the nut mixture. Spread this mixture in the prepared pie plate.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion of dough to fit the prepared pie plate. Place the pastry over the nut mixture and trim it even with the edge.
6. Toss the filling ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer the filling to the pie pastry.
7. Roll out the remaining pastry to fit the top of the pie. Place it over the filling, trim, seal, and flute the edges. Cut slits in the pastry for venting.
8. Bake the pie at 375° for 60-70 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Cool the pie on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
9. Carefully loosen the parchment paper around the edge of the pie, then invert the pie onto a serving plate. Remove and discard the paper. Cool the pie for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve the pie warm.

YIELD: Makes 8 servings.

BAKING TIME: 60-70 minutes.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be cautious while inverting the pie onto the serving plate to ensure a successful upside-down presentation.

TIPS:

• Serve the Ginger-Pear Upside-Down Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves to the filling mixture.

The Ginger-Pear Upside-Down Pie is a true culinary delight that brings together the delightful sweetness of pears and the warm spiciness of ginger. Marcy Kamery from Blasdell, New York, has artfully crafted this unique pie to showcase the often underappreciated flavors of pears. With a simple preparation process and some chilling and baking time, you can create a stunning dessert that will impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds.

The combination of crunchy toasted nuts, brown sugar, and melted butter in the nut mixture creates a luscious caramelized base for the pie. The sliced fresh pears, enhanced with a blend of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, form a delightful filling that pairs perfectly with the buttery and flaky crust.

As the Ginger-Pear Upside-Down Pie bakes to perfection, its captivating aroma will fill your kitchen, building anticipation for the flavorful experience to come. Served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, this pie becomes a sensory delight that is sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration.

The fun twist of inverting the pie onto a serving plate allows the nutty caramelized base to become the pie’s crown, making it an eye-catching centerpiece on any dessert table.

In conclusion, the Ginger-Pear Upside-Down Pie is a celebration of the sweet and fragrant pear, masterfully combined with a touch of ginger and warm spices. With its indulgent flavors and visually appealing presentation, this pie is the perfect choice for elevating your dessert repertoire and leaving a lasting impression on your guests.