By SARA MOULTON

Associated Press

Sometimes, even on a weeknight, you really crave a little dessert. That’s where this recipe comes to the rescue. It’s a quick, easy and delicious pear crisp that calls for just five ingredients — pears, granola, lemon juice, apricot jam and a pinch of salt.

Pears also have a lot to offer in terms of health. They’re a good source of vitamin C and a great source of fiber. As for granola, there are a zillion brands out there.

The problem is that many are laden with fat and sugar. So look for a brand that’s lower in fat, sugar and calories than the competition — and which also contains lots of nuts, seeds and dried fruit. To bump up the nutritional value of this recipe even more, add 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed.

Speedy Pear Crisp

Start to finish: 1 hour (15 minutes active)

Servings: 8

• 1/2 cup plus 1 T. apricot preserves or

sweetened fruit spread

• 4 pears (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored

and thinly sliced

• 2 T. lemon juice

• Table salt

• 2 cups granola

Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly coat a shallow 6-cup baking dish with cooking spray.

In a small saucepan over medium-low, heat the preserves until melted and easily stirred.

Place sliced pears in a large bowl, then drizzle with preserves. Add lemon juice and salt. Toss well. Spread pears evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the granola evenly over the pears, then cover the dish loosely with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes, or until the pears are tender. Serve hot or cold.