Perfect Pear Crisp

I have been on the lookout for crisp recipes since my aunts made a DELICIOUS rhubarb crisp earlier this summer.  Here is one with pears.  I love pears even though they are a sign of summer's end.  There is nothing like ripe pears and some sharp cheddar cheese.  But I digress...I found this in the new Kraft Food and Family Magazine and the photo in the magazine is amazing. 

1 lemon
1/2 C. granulated sugar, divided
1/3 C. plus 2 tbsp. flour, divided
1 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided
8 fresh pears, peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks
1/4 C. packed brown sugar
1/3 C. cold butter, cut up
1/2 C. sliced almonds
1 C. thawed Cool Whip

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Grate enough lemon peel to measure 1/2 tsp. zest.  Squeeze enough lemon juice to measure 4 1/2 tsp.  Mix 1/2 C. granulated sugar, 2 tbsp. flour and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in a large bowl.  Add pears, lemon zest and juice; toss until pears are coated.  Spoon into 2qt, casserole.

Mix brown sugar and remaining granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon in medium bowl.  Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture forms coarse crumbs.  Stir in nuts; sprinkle over pears.

Bake 40-45 minutes or until topping is golden brown and pears are hot and bubble.  Serve topped with Cool Whip.