Comice Pear Crisp

Among the pear varieties, we prefer the silky, juicy flesh and slightly winy flavor of Comice pears for eating, and they are exceptionally good in this crisp. (For poaching and in tarts, good Bosc pears have the right texture and body.)

Crisp Topping
1/2 cup walnuts or almonds
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
a pinch salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

Filling
6 ripe pears (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored, and cut in 1/2-inch dice
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toast the nuts until fragrant, about 7 or 8 minutes, and chop them medium-fine. Combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut the butter into small pieces. Work it into the flour mixture with your fingers until crumbly. Add the chopped nuts and mix well