📖 Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step! A proper preheat ensures even cooking and that beautifully browned crust we're after.
2. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Trust me, you don't want the crisp sticking to the bottom; it's a heartbreak waiting to happen.
3. Peel, core, and slice the pears. Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick. Not too thick, not too thin – just right! Place the sliced pears in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the chopped dates, walnuts, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the bowl with the pears. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pears are evenly coated with the spices and other goodies.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter (cut into small cubes). Using your fingers or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It's kinda therapeutic, right?
6. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the pear mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the pears for that perfect crispy topping.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are tender. The aroma alone will drive you wild, I promise!
8. Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit, preventing a soupy mess. Nobody wants that!
9. Serve warm, and if you're feeling fancy, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Oh my goodness. This step is optional but highly recommended. A small splash of cream is also good.