CHOPPED PEAR PIE WITH CRUMB TOPPING

Yesterday my grandson asked me if I could make a pie with some of the pears a friend gave me.  I came up with this pie and I must say it is very tasty.

1 unbaked pie shell
4 cups chopped pears
3/4 cup (more or less depending on sweetness of pears) Splenda or Stevia granulated
1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (remember cinnamon is a blood sugar controller)
1 heaping tsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract

Place pie shell in a deep-dish pie plate; set aside.

Combine the pears and Splenda in a medium mixing bowl, stirring well; allow to set for 10-15 minutes.

Stir the cinnamon and cornstarch into the pears to combine well; add the vanilla.

Place the pear mixture into the unbaked pie shell; make the following topping:

Crumb Topping:
3/4 cup quick oats
1/2 cup loosely packed Splenda brown sugar blend
1/4 cup + 1 heaping tbsp white whole-wheat flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
6 tbsp butter, cut-up into small pieces and slightly softened

In a mixing bowl combine the oats and the brown sugar blend; add the flour, cinnamon, and pecans mixing together well.  Using two knives or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until crumbly.

Sprinkle the mixture over the pears and press down lightly.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour until the pears are tender and the topping is browned.