📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and a perfectly golden crust.
2. Prepare the pears: Peel, core, and slice the pears into 1/4-inch thick pieces. I like to use Bosc or Anjou pears for their firm texture, but any variety will work. It's important to slice them uniformly so they cook evenly.
3. Combine the fruit: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the sliced pears with the blueberries. Make sure to remove any stems from the blueberries. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and flour. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated. The lemon zest is key here; it adds a brightness that complements the sweetness of the fruit.
4. Prepare the baking dish: Transfer the fruit mixture to a 9-inch baking dish. I prefer using a glass dish because it helps me keep an eye on the bottom crust while baking.
5. Make the crisp topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. I use old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewier texture, but quick oats will work too.
6. Add the butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for a crumbly, tender topping. If you don't have a pastry blender, you can pulse the ingredients in a food processor until just combined.
7. Assemble the crisp: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Gently pat it down to ensure it's compact and will hold together during baking.
8. Bake the crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil. I usually peek at it around the 30-minute mark to make sure it's not burning.
9. Cool and serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit filling to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Trust me, it's the perfect finishing touch!
10. Optional additions: For a little extra warmth, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit filling or crisp topping. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the crisp before baking also adds a nice crunch.