Perfect Pear Crisp

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup planters almonds sliced
• 0.3 cup brown sugar packed
• 0.3 cup butter cold
• 0.3 cup flour divided
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar divided
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon divided
• 1  optional: lemon 
• 2.5 lb pears fresh peeled cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup cool whip whipped topping thawed

Equipment

• bowl
• oven
• blender
• baking pan

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375F.
2. Grate enough lemon peel to measure 1/2 tsp. zest. Squeeze enough juice to measure 1-1/2 Tbsp.
3. Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 Tbsp. flour and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in large bowl.
4. Add pears, lemon zest and juice; toss until pears are evenly coated. Spoon into 8-inch square baking dish.
5. Mix brown sugar and remaining flour, granulated sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl.
6. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts; sprinkle over pears.
7. Bake 40 to 45 min. or until topping is golden brown and pears are hot and bubbly.
8. Serve topped with COOL WHIP.