Saucy Apples 'n' Pears

Serve over pound cake or ice cream.

• Ready In: 6 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 3  cooking apples (1 1/2 lb.)
• 3  ripe pears (1 1/2 lb.)
• 1  tablespoon lemon juice
• 1⁄4 cup butter or 1⁄4 cup margarine, melted
• 1⁄2 cup  firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 2  cinnamon sticks (3-inch)
• 1⁄4 cup raisins
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped pecans
• 1⁄2 cup maple syrup
• 1  tablespoon cornstarch
• 2  tablespoons water

Directions

1. Core and slice apples and pears; place in a 5-quart slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle with lemon juice, tossing to coat well.
3. Combine butter and brown sugar; spoon over fruit.
4. Add cinnamon sticks, raisins, and pecans; drizzle with maple syrup and stir gently.
5. Cook, covered, on LOW, 3 hours.
6. Combine cornstarch and water, stirring well; stir into fruit mixture.
7. Cook, covered, on LOW, 3 hours or until fruit is tender.
8. Remove and discard cinnamon sticks; serve topping over ice cream or pound cake.