Add pear nectar, instead of the water.

Tone down the ginger and add shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

I would add 2 Tablespoons of Cinamon and 1 Cup of golden raisons.  I'm not a fan of ginger so I would not change the amount of ginger.  After the pies is filled with the fruit I would dab about 3 Tablespoons of butter on the fruit before I put the top on.  I think this adds just enough extra needed flavor.

Reduce granulated sugar to 1/2 cup.  Add 1/4 cup light brown sugar.  Also add: 1/2 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, zest of 1 lemon, and juice of 1 lemon.  Top pear filling with 1 TBS cut up butter before sealing pie crust.

Lemon and ginger pair well together and the lemon will brighten the pie.  The addition of spices are needed for more flavor.  Hope you enjoy this version ~ we did!

Hello,

How about crystlized cinnamon.

Substitute 1/2 the pears for peaches. Peaches and ginger are a great combo but you will still have the tartness of the pears. :o)

Crystalized ginger is an acquired taste, cut the ginger to 1 Tablespoon and add 1 teaspoon cinnamon. The sugar to pear ratio is correct. Use Bosc pears as they hold there shape while baking.

Wellllll guys, after reading half of the ideas sent in and the recipe you used; I suggest you make an awesome mince meat pie and thrill everyone at the table!!!!! Pears and ginger doesn't even SOUND good together, maybe that's why the problems with recipe......

then it would be a tart....not a pie

hi cate... my name is Trinity i know you dont now me. im 8 years old I live in milwaukee wisconson. I love that recipe you made... that sounds delicious cate! trinity

If I was going to make this pie - I'd only use 1 pie crust; I would increase the crystalized ginger a wee bit; and I'd toss in some dried cranberries.

I would make a 'streusel' topping - crushed gingersnap cookies with butter/brown sugar/nuts/bit of flour.  Base streusel topping on other streusel pie toppings.

I do like pears in desserts but am not a big fan of double crusted pies.   I also wonder why Pillsbury did not suggest which type of pear to use ... as it can make a big difference.

Thank you everyone for your great ideas and tips! We are taking your recipes tweaks down to the kitchen and will be trying them out. We will keep you updated on the results! 

We are so happy with all your responses that we plan to do another one of these in JAN 2010.

Thank you again!

Sincerely, Cate