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1
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
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2
Toss pears with the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar.
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3
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
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4
Set aside to cool, then skim the white foam off the surface and discard.
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5
Spoon the melted butter into a bowl, leaving behind the solids at the bottom of the saucepan.
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6
Heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
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7
Add pear mixture and cook until pears start to give off juices.
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8
Add cranberries, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low.
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9
Cook until pears are crisp-tender, about 7 minutes.
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10
Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of the bread crumbs; cool the mixture slightly.
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11
Combine remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with allspice and ginger in a small bowl.
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12
Cut a piece of parchment paper slightly longer than the phyllo sheets and lay it with a long edge parallel to you.
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13
Set the stack of phyllo sheets beside it and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
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14
Transfer one sheet of phyllo to the parchment with a long edge facing you.
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15
Brush with some reserved butter and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon each of the nuts and sugar mixture.
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16
Repeat with each remaining phyllo, replacing the towel as you work.
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17
Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons bread crumbs over top sheet of phyllo.
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18
Spoon the pear mixture across the phyllo about 1 inch from the edge closest to you to make a mound, with a 2-inch border at each end.
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19
Using the parchment to help you get started, roll the phyllo tightly over the filling to make a log, seam-side down.
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20
Lift the parchment with the strudel onto a baking sheet.
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21
Bake until golden, about 30 minutes.
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22
Transfer on the baking sheet to a rack to cool.
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23
Trim ends with a serrated knife.
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24
Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm or at room temperature with creme fraiche or whipped cream, if desired.
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25
Style: Cut the strudel into thirds, then cut each one of the pieces in half on an angle.
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26
This way, you get beautiful portions that stand at attention, showing off the layers and the filling.
