PHOTO: SIMON LAMBERTPears and ginger are a classic pairing, and this crumble slice is a great way to make the most of them. With a buttery oat base, spiced pear filling and golden crumble topping, it has all the comfort of a fruit crumble in a slice that’s perfect with a cup of tea. Makes 12-16 pieces Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 45 min Skill: Easy Ingredients Pear Filling 700g pears, peeled and diced 50g brown sugar 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp finely grated fresh ginger 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 Tbsp cornflour Base and crumble 180g unsalted butter, melted 120g brown sugar 200g plain flour 120g rolled oats 1 tsp ground cinnamon Pinch of salt Method Heat the oven to 170°C fan bake. Line a 20cm × 30cm slice tin with baking paper. Place the pears, brown sugar, lemon juice, ginger and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears have softened. Mix the cornflour with 1 tablespoon cold water. Stir into the pear mixture and cook for 1 minute, or until thickened. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. For the base and crumble, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and begins to clump together. Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the base of the prepared tin. Spread the pear filling evenly over the base. Scatter the remaining crumble mixture over the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Leave to cool completely in the tin before slicing into squares.
