-
1
Preheat the oven to 425F.
-
2
To prepare the pie shell, divide the ball of dough in half, setting one half to the side.
-
3
On a clean, lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it forms a 10-inch circle.
-
4
Fold the circle in half, place it in a 9-inch pie plate so that the edges of the circle drop over the rim, and unfold the dough to completely cover the pie plate.
-
5
Set the pie shell to the side while you make the filling.
-
6
To prepare the filling, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the sugar, the cinnamon, the lemon juice, and lemon zest.
-
7
Place the pears in a large bowl and sprinkle them with the sugar mixture, making sure all of the pears are thoroughly coated.
-
8
Set the pears aside for about 10 minutes, allowing them to soak up the flavor of the sugar mixture.
-
9
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the cornstarch.
-
10
When the pears have set for 10 minutes, add the cornstarch mixture to the fruit, and toss the pears.
-
11
Place the pear mixture in the pie shell, distributing it evenly.
-
12
Dot the filling with the butter.
-
13
To prepare the top crust, roll out the second half of the dough with a rolling pin until it forms a 10-inch circle.
-
14
Fold the dough circle in half and place it over the filling, with the straight line of the half circle running down the middle of the pie.
-
15
Unfold the circle so that the entire pie is covered.
-
16
Using your thumb and index finger, crimp the edges of the pie together to seal in the filling, and then use a fork to puncture the top of the pie 5 or 6 times.
-
17
Brush the top of the pie and crimped edges with heavy cream to create a perfect, golden brown finish.
-
18
To bake, place the pie plate on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
-
19
Reduce the temperature to 375F and continue baking for approximately 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling.
-
20
Transfer the pie plate to a wire cooling rack and allow the pie to cool and set for 1 1/2 hours before serving.
-
21
Pear Pie is best served either at room temperature or warmed at 350F for about 10 minutes.
-
22
It will keep at room temperature overnight and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
