Mincemeat-Pear Pie

Have any of you had mincemeat pie? This recipe is from the 1978 Family Circle 'Desserts' Book, under 'Exciting Pastries and Pies'.

Mincemeat-Pear Pie

'A strusel topping sets off this all-season pie'. (or no season)

Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. Makes one 9-inch pie.

1/2 package piecrust mix

1 large lemon

3 large fresh pears

1 jar (1 pound, 12 oz.) prepared mincemeat

3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

1. Prepare piecrust mix, following directions, or make pastry from your favorite single-crust recipe. Roll out to a 12-inch round on lightly floured board; fit into 9-inch pie plate. Flute to make a stand up edge.

2. Grate 1 teaspoon lemon peel; reserve. Squeeze lemon; measure 2 tablespoons juice; reserve.

2. Pare pears (haha); quarter and core. Slice 1 of the pears into wedges in small bowl; sprinkle lemon juice over top; then toss lightly to coat well. Chop remaining pears finely.

4. Combine chopped pears, lemon peel, mincemeat and 1/4 cup of the lour in a medium-size bowl. Spoon into prepared pastry shell. Arrange pear wedges on top, pinwheel fashion.

5. Combine remaining 1/2 cup flour, sugar, and pumpkin-pie spice in a small bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle crumbs over pie.

6. Bake in hot oven 45 minutes, or until crumbs are golden-brown and filling is bubbly. Cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Garnish with a lemon rose, if you wish. Choose a medium-size lemon and, starting at the stem end, pare off peel in one continuous long strip. Stand on stem end; curl spiral as tight as you wish to resemble opened rose.

Why would anyone design this recipe? Mincemeat and pear? Plus that weird rose?

And the next recipe is raisin-creme...

We are rather heartbroken here now that pie restaurant Bakers Square is going under. So many things are going under around here.

I've been reading a fabulous mystery series by Jane Cleland. Antiques to Die For is the latest one. I really like her heroine, Josie.

Off to help the baby. He's wrestling with his stuffed elephant; and I believe he lost this round.