True Taste of Italy

This Cinnamon Pear Tart (Torta di Pere alla Cannella) uses a key ingredient, cinnamon, that was treasured in ancient times.  It was used for medicinal purposes and flavoring for beverages and was considered to be more precious than gold.  In medieval Europe, cinnamon was a staple ingredient and the demand for it drove many explorers to travel to distant lands in search of it.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Pear Tart:

• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened apple juice
• 2 tablespoons corn oil
• 4 Bartlett pears
• 4 sticks cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar, divided

Directions for Cinnamon Pear Tart:

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Combine flour, a little salt, apple juice, and oil in a mixing bowl.  Stir to mix well until smooth, elastic texture appears.  Pour mixture onto parchment paper.  Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Remove from refrigerator and roll out on lightly floured surface.  Place in buttered 9-inch tart pan.  Work dough so it covers bottom and sides evenly.
• Place in oven about 15 minutes.  Remove and set aside.
• Peel and slice pears.  Place slices from 2 of the pears in small pan with cinnamon sticks and sprinkle half of brown sugar.
• Cook and stir over medium heat for 10 minutes or until pureed.  Remove cinnamon sticks and discard.
• Fill crust with pear puree.  Arrange remaining sliced pears on top of puree.  Sprinkle with remaining brown sugar.
• Place back in oven about 20 minutes.  Serve warm or cold.

Serves 4 to 6.