Fresh Pear Crisp

2 gal. + 1 qt. Anjou or Bose pears, peeled, sliced
1 cup lemon juice
Spice Sauce, prepared*
3 cups brown sugar
3 cups flour
3 cups oatmeal, quick cooking
3 cups pecans, chopped
2 cups butter or margarine, softened

*Spice Sauce: Combine 2 pounds granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Dissolve in 1 quart water. Cook and stir until thickened and clear.

Pour lemon juice over sliced pears to prevent browning. Place 4 1/2 quarts in each of 2 buttered 12" x 20" x 2 1/2" pans. Pour 2 cups spice sauce over pears in each pan. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Combine and blend sugar, flour and oatmeal with butter until crumbly; add nuts. Remove pears from oven and evenly sprinkle half of topping mixture over each pan. Return to oven and bake uncovered until pears are tender and topping is golden brown.

Yield: 50 servings