I’m sorry to all of you summer-holics out there, but I can’t wait until this swampy, sweaty, humid, feel-like-fainting-on-the-bus-in-the-morning heat is over and done with. I’m ready for triple-digit heat indexes to be a distant memory and I’m ready for sweater weather.
In short: I’m ready for summer to yield to fall. I love everything about the third season: leaves changing colors, pumpkin-flavored everything, the abundance of apples at the farmer’s market and sleeping with my windows open.
Welcome to Week Three, the final installment of the cooking challenge that I am participating in with Starbucks’ Tazo brand. As most of you know, I am developing a few recipes featuring Tazo tea and a weekly secret ingredient. This week, the name of the game is pears.
There is also a little healthy competition involved here – the blogger who garners the most comments after the three weeks wins $1,000 to a kitchen store.
Last week I featured a great giveaway to offer one lucky reader. Tazo is going to hook one of you up with a great package of tea-related goodness:
- Crate & Barrel Iced Tea/Sangria Pitcher
- Breville electric kettle
- Tea pot
- Cup and saucers
- More tea than you could possibly dream of drinking.
The good news is, you still have time left to enter! For an extra entry, leave a comment on this post and tell me what you’re looking forward to most about the fall. (If you’d like to comment but not enter the giveaway, please write “no thanks” after your comment).
For extra entries: Become a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook, follow me on Twitter or invite your friends to become a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook. Make sure in your comment, you let me know that you did.
Contest will close at 11:59pm CST on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. Winner will be chosen at random using the number generator on random.org.
Here is a sampling of what you could win (bookshelf not included):
Now let’s get back to the pie. If you’re looking for something sweet but not so sweet that you’ll immediately need something salty, this is the dessert you’re looking for. It’s the perfect way to transition from summer crumbles, cobblers and granitas to heartier fall desserts.
Spiced Ginger Pear Pie
What you need:
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup Tazo Organic Spiced Ginger Tea
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup light packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon grated lemon peel
4 large pears, peeled and thinly sliced
1 (9-inch) recipe pate brisee (or store bough pie crust)
What you do:
1. Prepare pie crust according to recipe/package directions. In a saucepan, combine the first six ingredients until blended. Gently stir in pears. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally; boil for 1 minute. Add butter. Pour into pastry shell.
2. Top pie with second layer of pastry crust, lattice style. Bake at 425 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
So let’s hear it. What are you looking forward to about fall?
Disclosure: Tazo provided me with the tea, a few brewing essentials and a grocery gift card to cover the cost of supplies for this project. Tazo did not tell me what to write here and the opinions in this post are 100% honest and accurate.
{ 167 comments… read them below or add one }
The pie looks exquisite. I love watching the leaves change color and the brisk nip in the air.
I am so ready for fall too! I’ve been craving soups and baked bread and all sorts of things that require the oven or are just too hot to eat when it is 90+ degrees outside. This is silly but I’m also looking forward to wearing jeans again. I’m tired of shorts and all my summer clothes. I’ve been eying a really cute gray tweed blazer for this fall.
mmmh tea. i am looking forward to cooler weather myself… cheers to that.
Beautiful lattice work and I love the combination of flavors–I think this will be on my Thanksgiving menu…good-bye pumpkin!
Wow, this pie is definitely something I’m looking forward to about fall! Also, sweaters, layering, flannel, boots (!), and the return of rustic, warm, hearty dishes on restaurants’ menus. And homemade soups!
I usually don’t like pie, but this looks really good!!I can’t believe it’s almost fall time!
I look forward to Thanksgiving because it reminds me of my childhood and I want my children to grow up having those special memories I have. Staying up all night and sneaking little bites of all the little delicacies my mom was making for the guests, smelling pumpkin roast in the oven, and have the fire place going (well I live LA, so more like the fire pits going by the beach).
I’ve never had a pear pie! This looks delicious!! Pear + Ginger sounds like such an obvious combo once you point it out!
I liked you on Facebook.
Thanksgiving is the best thing about fall. Eventhough this one will be the worst for me , losing my mom and dad this year but its still my favorite time of year and the bonding makes it the best.
I admit it I am a summerholic. Fall and school buses make me unhappy. But Fall is great for sailing and cooking pies and family dinners, instead of trying to cook everything on the bar-b-que, so I don’t heat up the house. I will share your pie recipe with my daughter who loves the Fall and Fall clothing. P.S. I am an old friend of your mom’s from HS.
I look forward to the changing of the seasons. Fall is a time for me to appreciate the summer blessings I’ve had and prepare for the winter and holiday gatherings. As we get busy with school activities I try and make sure to make simple, but flavorful dinners so that we have family time at least once a day.
This Pie looks so good Im hungry just looking at it.I love the fall because that is the time we get to savor all these wonderful different flavors..peach pie..apple pie..yummmm
I love Fall because the risk of forest fires goes almost away. My hillsides turn, I feel the need for snuggly socks and I break out my spicy,warm candles. And, I get to put my heavy,oh so comfy comforter back on my bed.
I love spring and ADORE fall..not so much summer and winter.
This looks beautiful Maris! Holy yum!
I’m already starting to cook with Fall spices like curry powder, ginger, cardamon, cloves, etc.
So, I am in no way excited for fall, cold weather, etc. etc., but I am more than a little intrigued by this pie. So I’m going to make it very shortly!
The pictures are also very nice.
Chris
Fall is the most beautiful season. Last year I was on a cruise to New England and Canada. This year is a trip to New Hampshire. Pears are one of my favorite fruits and this recipe sounds very yummy — and easy. Thank you for sharing.
Desserts always top a meal and healthy fruit pies are definitely great toppings.
I’m looking forward to family time. And maybe a slight nip in the air. But just a slight one. I still love my summer heat. I do love the colors of the fall decorations though.
I don’t like anything with cooked pears (or apples) but this looks delicious. And reminds me so much of fall!
i will definitely be making this,the first chill in the air. sounds warm and fuzzy and yummy!
really anxious to try this
Oh my gosh, I never thought to make a pear pie, but it makes so much sense! And the ginger makes me want to try it even more. In the directions you mentioned butter, but how much?
Fall is hands down my favorite season, but it takes forever for it to arrive in central California. I probably won’t be able to wear a sweater for another couple of months! I bought one the other day though, and today I grabbed a bottle of pumpkin pie flavored syrup for lattes. I am SO ready. And I’m not ashamed to admit that I would probably eat this pie while watching college football.
I’m already a fan/follower on Facebook and Twitter.
Yum. Good luck dear. I cannot remember if I mentioned this, btw, but I recently updated my RSS feeder to FeedBurner so if you subscribed you’ll have to resubscribe.
That looks like a delicious taste of fall, for sure!
Mmmm! Ohhhh man, this pie looks so good. I’ve never in a million years thought of using tea in a pie, and since fall for me is all about warming up (with hot drinks, blankies and baked goods) I’m really lookin’ forward to just the general change of pace! No more sweltering hot days or days where eating soup sounds weird because it’s still warm outside lol… yeah, fall’s a nice time of year. Not too cold, but not hot either.
pie looks amazing! looking forward to cooler temps – period. Too hot right now.
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Beautiful pie, Mar! I want to make one now. And this fall, I’m looking forward to football the most! Although I do love drinking a nice hot mug of tea in the evenings without feeling like I might faint from the heat.
Pear, ginger, tazo tea, in a pie. Sounds like a winner!
oh man, that looks tasty! You just got me excited about this fall and all of the delicious pies i’ll be eating
Wow! That looks amazing…and not as many ingredients as you would think. Maybe I could try making it…although I’m sure it wouldn’t come out looking as delicious as the one above!
I love the smells of fall the slightly damp smell of the leaves, the crispness in the air and the fact that most bugs are gone!
That pie has me looking forward to the fall comfort foods!
This sounds so tasty! I love making pear tarts, but I’ve never put them into a pie.
This pie looks scrumptious! ( I wish I could have sent some cool Stuttgart air overseas….some days this summer, it has felt like the middle of October here!) Can you use any type of pear for baking?
I’m looking forward to it being vacation time! I always enjoy fall weather as it tends to be nice everywhere. I also enjoy it when persimmons come into season.
Okay Maris… this one looks just too unbelievable!!! And I would not even dare attempt this one. How about you just fed ex me one? Pretty Please?
I’m looking forward to the holidays. With this economy, I am going to turn to baking for gifts. The best part is experimenting and this pie looks wonderful It will be one of my first try outs.
Fall is my favorite season! The color of the leaves and the feeling of “good changes” ahead!
I NEVER like to see the end of summer, but do enjoy food from any season.
I’m looking forward to a break from the heat!
I also liked you on Facebook!
I love pumpkin pie but this looks so delicious I may have to give it a try!
I liked you on facebook
Now I am definitely going to get fat! A Spiced Ginger Pear Pie sounds good right around now. Maybe with a nice cup of tea.
Pies are my favorite dessert and a pear pie is so different. I will miss the summer time spent at the beach but the fall leaves and flowers are so beautiful.
I love fall!! Great flavors! Mmmmh Pear pie sound delicious!!
Can’t wait to go out East on LI & pick pears, then come home & make this!
Being able to buy pumpkin spice lattes
This recipe sounds amazing! So creative; I never thought to incorporate tea into a pie. Let’s hope fall lasts more than a week or two this year
Fall is my favorite season – I am looking forward to more baking, knitting and running in comfortable weather. Can’t wait! Thanks for offering the giveaway.
as soon as my kitchen will tolerate a heated oven…this will be my first project!! thanks for including a word on ‘fancy pie crust’ (pate brisee)…that’s always a challenge for me.
Delicious. Love the photos, too! Can’t wait to try it.
Pies like this make me excited for fall–thanks, Maris!
I love the Fall and this sounds like a gret recipe for the seaon. Will have to try it.
What a cool contest. I’m looking forward to pumpkin-flavored everything as well, and being able to leave my windows open!
(tazo tea – no thanks, no space in my little NYC apartment :-/ )
That is one amazing looking pie. Sounds delicious too … I am sort of looking forward to fall too, btw.
I’m most excited about the cooler weather. It’s been so hot this summer, I can’t wait for fall. I also love the apple and pumpkin picking and the falling leaves. so pretty.
The pear pie looks luscious, thanks! I love the fall weather, woolen sweaters and the crackle of leaves under foot. Unfortunately, the fall is also accompanied by days and days of rain, as well. Ah, nature!
So creative! Good luck Maris
I had never considered using my favoriote teas as flavoring in recipes –that’s inspired and a very healthy choice. I can’t wait to think of many recipes for my favorite Tazo Ginger tea! I found it when I was taking a chemo drug to control the nausea and found even after, it was still my favorite!
What do I love about fall? FOOTBALL. Pumpkin. Thanksgiving. My birthday.
This looks amazing! I will definitely be trying this out come fall in Louisiana (comes a little later down here)! Some of my favorite things are: football games, hot chocolate and spiced hot apple cider (and spiked!!), wool blankets, foliage, apple picking and making pies/crisps, pumpkin picking and pumpkin pies, etc!!
I am drooling as I write. So delish! Want to taste everything!
I agree! The thing I’m most looking forward to about Fall is the crisp cool weather, football season and hot apple cidar!
Fall is the best – bonfires, football games, and pie eating contests
I’m forward to turning the AC off & wearing long pants & sweaters, cooking soups & turning on the fireplace!
Pear and ginger, a delicious combination and such an interesting way to use the tea! Get your ovens started, Fall will soon be here!
Ummmmm! My sister loves to try new baking ideas. I will pass this one along to her.
Cool rainy day in NYC … perfect for baking the Spiced Ginger Pear Pie!
I am looking forward to squash season! I love cooking with squash because I loathed it as a child and now I can’t get enough of it. Maybe I hated it when I was young because it meant that summer was over, but now I look forward to the changes in season. Love warm sweaters and football season. And of course, Halloween: my one opportunity to dress up like a fool and not receive ridicule.
I’m definately looking foward to going for some hikes in the beautiful fall weather and enjoying the leaves changing color. Some pie would be tasty too!
Autumn is my favorite season. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
I’ve never tried baking with pears, but I think I’ll try this recipe when it starts to feel nice & crisp outside-Like you, I’m ready to leave these tepid temperatures behind and sleep with my windows open. One of my fall favorites is wearing layers and scarves
The pie looks incredible! I don’t believe I have ever tasted a pear pie; it looks delicious! I, too, can’t wait for the cooler weather. I love a little nip in the air, when it’s too warm for a coat, but just right for a sweater or blazer! This pie personifies fall!
Oh gosh, what am I looking forward to about Fall… EVERYTHING!
Summer is the bane of my existance!
This pie looks delicious for the upcoming fall. As soon as the weather starts to get cold then I will start to make pies. Please post more recipes for pies and soups for the fall season.
Ginger Pear Pie?! Wow! Sounds incredible!
Love the sounds of this! I wanted to get in on your contest,don’t know if I’m too late,but if not, I think I could honestly say I’ve had so many mishaps in the kitchen that I can’t pick any one and as far as favorite foods, they would be anything that anyone wants to make for me.
WOW! Your pie looks perfect! Seriously, perfect! I’d love to have a bite right now with a a cup of white tea.
The thing I am most looking forward to this fall is hot apple cider at Green City Market in Chicago provided by Seedling Farms. It’s perfect. Also, looking forward to using mulling spices and creating some mulled wine. YUM.
OMG so excited for warm apple pies and hot cider– this post is making me so hungry! Also love the whole fall feeling- warm sweaters and bright scarves — and gosh a piece of pie would taste even better with this TEA!!
Nice lattice crust, Maris! There are 4 things I love most about fall: brisk mornings, blue skies, colorful leaves and farm stands full of apples, pumpkins, squash and cider. Next to spring, it’s my favorite season of the year!
Wow. that pie seriously looks amazing! Bring on FALL!
I have a pear tree in my front yard. The recipe looks delicious, and I love the Tazo tea’s.
I am so in agreement about being ready for fall! I have been “over” summer for several weeks now because we’ve just had a miserably hot summer this year. Ick. We’ve probably still got at least two more months of warm/hot weather down here, but I am anxiously awaiting the cooler evenings and changing leaves.
This pie looks incredible! I love the fall, got married in October because of the fantastic weather and gorgeous colors. I’m excited to see the pumpkin decorations out in stores now, love anything pumpkin! Sounds like a fabulous prize, thanks for the chance to win!
Following you on twitter now too!
HOLY CRAP spiced pear?!? glorious.
feel free to make this pie for my arrival in CHI on saturday – thanks!
Oh, I forgot to mention, I added you on twitter and facebook.
What a gorgeous lattice!
I’m looking forward to fall FOODS, mostly pumpkin!
Looks beautiful and I bet it tastes just as good!
hi maris…i love everything bout the fall..the leaves changing color..the increase in comfort of spending long hours in dkitchen n whippin up delish food esp baked goods…the goodbye to d heat…n i wud love to enter ur contest n recommend all my frnds to b a fan of in good taste,i kno i am,jus as soon as i figure out how…
Hi Maris– I love Fall, but I’ll miss Fall in the Midwest this year! My favorite thing about Fall are those white pumpkins… they are beautiful and kind of creepy looking at the same time!
I agree w/ you, Maris. I’ll be ready when fall arrives in Chicago this year! I’m looking forward to eating fall foods like apple crisps, pumpkin soup, chili, drinking red wine and watching football (College Game Day on Saturday and NFL all day Sunday). I love the smell of autumn, the crunching leaves beneath my feet and the return of spiced lattes/tea.
The pie looks amazing, but I have a question, why use the light corn syrup? I’m not sure what it does for recipes vs. other sweeteners… Could you use sugar or agave syrup instead? I ask, because I generally don’t keep corn syrup on hand…
Anyway though, I’m am excited about fall for a couple of reasons, first FOOTBALL and second food!
Yum! The pie looks delicious and love how you incorporated the tea… I’m definitely going to have to try that! Favorite thing about the Fall: I love how all of the trees in my neighborhood at home turn to warm colors- yellows, reds and oranges.
I am looking foward to the crisp cool air, the georgous color of the leaves, and the trips to the mountains. Fall is by far my most favorite time of the year!
This pie looks amazing! Makes me hungry just looking at it!
I like the weather in the autumn.
Great recipe. Looks beautiful and very easy to make. Here in CT we can pick our own apples and pears in the fall. My children and I always made a trip(or two) to the orchards and after we would have hot apple cider. I still go even without the children. There is nothing better than eating a crisp apple or ripe pear right off the tree. I am always sorry to see summer go, but I do love the New England fall.
Looks so good!
this dessert has my mom’s name written all over it. not only does she enjoy tea but pears are her absolute favorite fruit ever. she would love this!
What a great use for ginger tea. And your crust looks so perfect. The last time I tried to lattice-ize a blueberry pie…it was less than pretty.
I’m looking forward to a plethora for crisp apples for snacking on and occasionally dipping in caramel sauce.
For the fall? hmm well I do love my very much favored temperatures. Fall is a time to wrap your arms around someone and get close to. Oh and as well as some of the best country food turkey mashed potatoes ect. But also when it gets to be Halloween I love to make little spooky treats for the kids.
I adore the snow that comes after that as well its such and awesome thing to see sitting next to someone sharing a cup of coco. I want fall now! XP
oops silly me I forgot to say that I “liked” you on Face Book well I did!
the smell of fall in the air! and the fact that pumpkin pie will officially be ok to bake again!
So little time, so much to keep up with.
just checking out your blog and love it! – BTW your pie looks ridiculously good – yes please!
I’m a fall girl myself. I can’t wait for pumpkin season! I plan on stocking up with pounds and pounds of it.
This pie looks fantastic. I wish I liked pears more…but I will have to try it with apple!
I’m looking forward to that cool-but-not-too-cold weather.
Pear and Ginger sounds great. I am surprised by how little time it takes to bake!
Fall is my favorite season. I love the change in weather, the falling leaves and the smell of a Pie baking in the oven. I will try your receipe because it looks yummy. I plan to look you up on twitter and facebook and get more yummy ideas.
I love the fall and what better way to celebrate but with this delicous recipe. My town has a fall festival and I always have my family over for it. I will be sure to try this recipe.
i also adore fall, but i’m gripping to every last ounce of these summer days. of course, pumpkin spiced lattes, hoodies and football season are appealing…buttttt you can spice things in 80 degrees too. you just proved that!
related: i’d like a piece of that. do you delivery?
Great recipe!!! Loved it and love the blog;)
Pies are my favorite.Looks good!
The pie looks fabulous!
Maris I love love love love pie.
Recipe sounds fabulous – will definitely try it.
I’m looking forward to being able to bake without creating a kitchen death trap of heat.
I also think fall might be an appropriate time to dust off the ‘ole dating profile. not too hot, not too cold — yup, dating season only lasts for the two perfect weeks of weather each year. sigh.
Despite my sometimes-crippling sarcasm, I like this idea. Ya don’t see the noble pear applied to pie so much, but it’s a neat idea.
I’m wondering about using organic spiced ginger tea in Asian cooking instead of chicken stock. I suppose it could be too much, but worth a try. It wouldn’t be the first time I made something that no one else liked. Your pie sounds like a slice of autumm heaven. I love your blog.
Certainly cool enough outside for a Spiced Ginger Pear Pie.
This looks absolutely delicious! Perfect recipe for summer.
Looks amazing! Can’t wait until I have the time to try to make it and have it with a nice cup of tea.
And, I am a faithful Facebook fan of yours already
When is the next recipe going to be posted? Looking forward to it.
I don’t usually eat pie, but this is one where I might take a bite or two. Sounds fabulous!
It is my first fall back in Phila in twenty years…I think I remember a song about that…anyway, I am looking forward to all of the traditional things like a pumpkin patch, apple trees, apple cider, spiced everything…pumpkin candles and the wonderful weather of fall. I even want to get lost in the leaves again. I am really ready for this….I really really am!!!!I will definitely remind my friends on facebook to check out your blog and help you out!!!! By the way, I LOOOOOVE Starbucks coffee too.
MMM…delicious. My favorite flavors.
I love pie, looks delicous
I would love to taste this pie!!!!!!!
Pie looks delicious! I am looking forward to that smell of autumn in the air, great sleeping weather and dragging out all my sweatshirts.
Ginger is definitely one of my fall favorites, so this pie looks fabulous! I’m also very excited for pumpkin everything! But I have to say, I’m hoping for a few more days of wonderful summer weather before fall hits. It’s been pouring rain and cold in Boston the past few days
This looks amazing and screams fall to me. It looks truly delicious, Maris!
I also follow you on twitter and am a fan of in good taste on facebook.
Good luck with your contest!!
Great looking pie-may have to attempt this recipe.
Great recipe for the fall!
Looks so delectable!!!!!
football. chili. chicken wings.
I’m looking forward to not melting. It’s been so hot here this summer.
cool! I love the pie!
mmm this looks awesome..do we have to wait for the fall to have it ;o)
Maris,
I am also a Fall lover! I can’t wait to attempt to make this pie on a fall sunday afternoon w/ my tazo tea sit back and watch a good Lifetime movie.
looks and sounds sooo delicious!!!!
sound delicious i will have to try it, i like any kind of fruit pie.
Pear pie for dessert sounds great.
Can’t say I’m looking all that forward to Fall…moving away from the beach back inland…although cooler temperatures do promote the metabolism and the ability to wolf down a few more pear ginger pie, biscotti, and thick (lentil) soup calories!
as much as i love fall, i don’t want summer to end just yet!! this pie, however, would make me welcome it with open arms
This looks great! Fall is my favorite season, I always look forward to it, and I am definately a tea fanatic! Can’t wait to try this recipie. I am going to fan you on facebook and follow you on twitter. :]
I am looking forward to the fall fruits.
Maris, your spiced ginger pear pie sounds amazing. I wish we had some here this morning. Love your creative use of Tazo tea in this recipe. Sign me up for this awesome giveaway. xo
I follow you on twitter
What do I love most about fall—-everything! I follow you on FB too. xo
Wow, this pie looks amazing!
My favorite thing about fall is apple picking!
The humble pear is such an underrated fruit for pie making. I love the addition of ginger and the spiced ginger Tazo Tea. The pie has an Asian motif going for it that will be a delicious break from the usual fall harvest standards of apple and pumpkin. I think I’ll make this pie for cool autumn evenings of card playing on the back patio. -Cheers!
Love your blog, just beautiful.. I too, love the Fall season, it’s by far my favorite time of year and transports me instantly to fonder times ;]
I do love fall, and the crispness in the air. Oh and the fall fashion, always so nice. But I will miss the heat of summer, I do love long lazy days by the pool, sorry. But I am for sure thinking about pumpkins and raking leaves.
Wow! This seems like a great receipe. Different from the usual all American fall favorites. I will have to try this!
I can’t wait for labor day, it’s the end of the summer and a great start to the fall!
Regarding fall, I am most excited about the wonderful ingredients that will become available at my local farmers markets….fresh apples recently picked (not from cold storage), chard, broccoli, leeks, mushrooms, good grief I’m even looking forward to parsnips and turnips! A wonderful treat to enjoy while shopping in the market is a cup of hot cider from the local orchard. Yum!
Great idea for a pie….looks great. I hope mine comes out looking like yours.
It definitely feels like fall here in Germany…this pie sounds delicious!
This fall I am most looking forward to getting back into the regular routine. I really need to focus more on the things I love and that’s my plan starting September – I guess that means I start today!
time for a break and a nice piece of pear pie
Keep blogging, Maris, and we will keep reading.
SOUNDS AND LOOKS GREAT
What a perfect fall dessert. Can’t wait to try it!
Autumn is my favorite season. A good pie crust and not too sweet pie is really a treat. Thanks for the recipe.
perfect timing cause here comes fall- now I’m jonesing for pie! this is going to my first choice for the reurn of the baking season
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