Ingredients
1/4 cup sliced almonds
10 amaretti (1/2 cup), such as Asturi Italian, crushed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup light-brown sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
2 firm but ripe pears (each 8 to 10 ounces), peeled and sliced about 1/2 inch thick
1/3 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed and drained if frozen
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Pinch of kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche, for serving (optional)
Preparation
For the Topping: Using your hands, mix together almonds, cookies, butter, brown sugar, and salt until butter is evenly distributed and mixture is crumbly. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.
For the Crisp: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, mix together pears, cranberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Stir in cornstarch to combine. Transfer to a mini pie dish (about 6 to 7 inches across top) or 2 individual gratin dishes (about 2 cups each).
Bake until juices reduce and mixture is beginning to bubble, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with amaretti mixture and continue to bake until topping is browned and crisp and mixture is bubbling in center, about 15 minutes more. Let cool 10 minutes, then serve warm with ice cream or crème fraîche.
