Preparation

Make the topping:

• In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, oats, brown sugar, and salt; pulse until the mixture starts to hold together. Set aside.

Make the filling:

• Heat the oven to 350°F. Cut the pears into pieces about 1 inch long by 1/2 inch thick. In a large bowl, mix the pears, lemon juice, vanilla, 1/3 cup of the sugar, the cinnamon, cloves, and cornstarch; toss to combine. Taste and add more sugar if you like.

Bake the crisp:

• Pour the pear mixture into an 11×7 inch ovenproof baking dish or into individual ramekins. Cover with the topping. Turn the oven down to 325°F and bake the crisp until the top is golden brown and the pears are tender, 70 to 80 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.