Caramel Apple-Pear Cobbler With Oatmeal Muffin Crust

No rolling pin required for this company-worthy cobbler! Sautée the apples and pears in brown sugar and butter, then pour on the crust and bake.

Ingredients:

• 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced (about 1 1/2 pounds)*
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 large pears, peeled and sliced (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• Oatmeal Muffin Batter
• Garnish: toasted pecan halves

Directions:

1. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring to coat apples.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add apple mixture; bring to a boil, and cook, stirring often, 10 minutes. Add pears to skillet, and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes. Spoon hot fruit mixture into a lightly greased 10-inch (8-cup) deep-dish pie plate or shallow 2-quart baking dish. Spoon Oatmeal Muffin Batter evenly over fruit mixture.
3. Bake at 425° for 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Garnish, if desired.
4. *2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling can be substituted for apples and pears. Omit brown sugar and flour. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pie filling, and bring to a boil; remove from heat. Proceed with recipe as directed.

Southern Living
SEPTEMBER 2004