Warm Pear and Maple Crisp with Corn Meal Topping

For Filling:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 7x12 inch baking dish. Whisk together the maple syrup, lemon juice and vanilla in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until mixture comes to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Place pears in a large bowl and pour the hot syrup mixture over. Let pears stand 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the pears with juices to the prepared dish. Dot with butter.

For Topping:

Stir together the flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Add butter and rub with your fingers until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pears. Bakle 45 minutes until filling is bubbly and topping is golden. Transfer crisp to a rack and cool a few minutes before serving. Serve warm.