Pear Cranberry Pie

For the Crust:

1. Prepare your favorite pie crust (enough for a double crust) or use store bought pie crust. Pastry for double pie crust
2. Transfer the one sheet of rolled dough into a 9-inch round pie dish. Fold over any hanging edges and crimp to your desired design.
3. Place the dough lined pie pan in the fridge to keep chilled while you prepare the pie filling.

For the Filling:

1. Place the pears and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a large bowl. Toss to combine. 3 lbs Bosc pears, 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2. Microwave for 4 to 8 minutes or until the pears are translucent and release their juices. Stir once, half way through cooking. (I cooked mine for a total of 6 minutes.)
3. Remove the pears from the microwave and allow to cool for about 15-20 minutes.
4. While the pears cool, make the cranberry portion of the filling. Place the cranberries in the work bowl of a food processor. 8 ounces fresh cranberries
5. Add the remaining granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, ground cinnamon and grated fresh ginger to the processor. Pulse the cranberries about 5 times until roughly chopped. 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger*, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6. Mix the cranberries with the cooled pear mixture.
7. Turn the filling into the chilled crust lined pie plate. Dot the top with the butter cubes. 2 tablespoons cubed salted butter
8. Place the second rolled out pie dough over the filling. Use a knife to trim any excess pie crust, leaving enough dough to tuck the top crust under the bottom crust. Flute the edges of the pie crust to seal.
9. Cut slits in the top of the crust and make small cut outs with the extra pie dough if desired.
10. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon water, course sugar
11. Preheat the oven to 400º Fahrenheit. Bake the pie in the preheated oven on the lowest oven rack for about 50 to 55 minutes.
12. Allow the pie to cool for about 4 hours until serving. Once the pie is cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature.