It’s been an ill start of 2012 for me. Was hit with cough, cold, fever, flu, sinus… you name it. Everything under the sun.
There were loads of tissues, medicines, soups and pain killers.
Lord mercy.
Meanwhile, the refrigerator had a fair share of produce — on the verge of rotting. Though the cold left me drained for days, I knew baking would instantenously cheer me up — and my innards from inhaling those fumes.
If you have a cold, start a fire… or in my case, bake up a storm.
So I did what anyone would have done with a couple of fairly bruised pears — baked a loaf. It’s better than being aloof.
Admittedly, with cracks and slightly chewy edges, I love the rustic-ness of this loaf. After all, isn’t winter poking fun at us this time of the year? Looks aren’t as important as the taste. Especially for someone as ill as me. With soups making endless appearance, I am thankful for a few bites of this deliciously moist loaf.
I went a little overboard with this recipe — had to drizzle on some love! Whisk away a simple glaze made with powdered sugar + lemon juice and drizzle as much as possible. It would make your heart sing a lullaby.
Well, mine did. Don’t judge the “under-the-weather” baker. Miracles can happen, ya know.
(Dry) ingredients :
- 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 medium ripe pears (i used Anjou), grated
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a loaf or cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl – combine flour, baking soda + powder, salt and cinnamon. Remove about 1/3 cup of flour to coat walnuts separately in a small bowl.
- Peel, core and grate pears. Add lemon juice to avoid browning.
- Using a stand/hand mixer – cream butter, eggs and sugar. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in grated pear + walnuts.
- Scrape wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir just until batter is evenly moistened. Do not over-mix.
- Scrape batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until loaf is browned and wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool loaf for a few minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve it with plain, sprinkle on some powdered sugar, drizzle with a glaze/chocolate sauce or top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — use your imagination 😉
Off to recuperate with what is left of me. Enjoy the week — hopefully with real food and just not soups. Or desserts. Well, if you must indulge – have it for me too 😀
What is rotting or on the verge of rots in your refrigerator? Don’t tell me NOTHING 😀
Comments on this entry are closed.
Holy yum! Cinnamon and pear is a divine combination! Your loaf looks delicious. Gorgeous clicks as always! 🙂
Baker Street recently posted..Muffin Monday: Bacon Crusty Cheese and Onion Muffins
Baker Street,
Thanks sweetie — I’ve been loving pears so much recently and hate to see it goes to waste before the season is over!
I love it when loaves have cracks and chewy edges – they always taste extra nice and home-made that way. Pears a new one for me – I had banana and apple before,… must try pear sometime!
Charles recently posted..Gluten-Free Knäckebröd, Swedish adventures and a giveaway
Charles,
Thanks a lot buddy — i made a pear upside down cake recently too. Pears are so versatile and great tasting. Try a recipe with pears, soon 🙂
Hi Kiran! I hope u r feeling better now! Cinnamon pear loaf sounds very intriguing. I am marveling at your photos with open mouth!
Hi Helene,
I am feeling better now, thanks sweetie 🙂 Have fun at Goa. I hope to visit there some day!
Nice clicks Kiran 🙂 Loved them all..!
Devendra,
Thanks a lot buddy 🙂 Hope you and the family is having a very blessed, happy and prosperous 2012!!
Pears photograph so well!!
Kath recently posted..Aged
Kath,
Thanks a lot sweetie — I agree 🙂
Oh sweetie, I am so sorry that you are sick…not a happy way to start the new year 🙁 Wishing you loads of quick healing!
This loaf is delightful and would cheer me up as well, love the flavor 🙂
Magic of Spice recently posted..What’s for dinner? Truffled Mac n Cheese with Shitaki Shrooms and Spelt Noodles
Magic of Spice,
Thanks honey — I am feeling so much better now 😀
Oh yeah, the drizzle does make the difference on the cake.
balvinder recently posted..Gluten Free Orange Rolls
Balvinder,
Thanks dear — no doubt, drizzles makes everything tastes and look good!
first of all, beautiful pics considering u r not keeping well 🙂 looks awesome & im guessing just the smell of that baking in the oven must have been enough to lift up the spirits
Deeps,
Thanks a lot for the compliments dear — you definitely made my day 🙂
Ohhhh cinnamon and pear?! What a perfect combo. This bread looks divine, Kiran. I must make it soon. And you haaad to put the glaze on top, didn’t you? 😉
Caroline recently posted..taking a back seat. [zucchini & salami pasta]
Caroline,
Thanks sweetie — do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes. Yup, glaze always seals a deal 😉
Your photography is beautiful! Pears have never looked so good!
Parita,
Thanks sweetie — those pears were so badly bruised 😉
That looks so delicious. Great pictures as always. Hope you are on the mend and feel better very soon!
carolinaheartstrings recently posted..ROASTED VEGETABLES AND LEMON PASTA
CHS,
Thanks a lot dear — I am feeling much better now 😀
lovely with a cuppa and you even wrapped it 🙂
Rebecca recently posted..Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes
Rebecca,
Thanks sweetie 🙂
I never thought to make bread with pairs but I love this idea!!!
Simply Life recently posted..Saffron Scallop Gratin & My Recipage!
Gina,
You have to try it some time — it keeps the bread moist & delicious 😀
there are probably some rotten veggies in the back of my fridge…
Shutterbug,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂 There’s always a rotten veggie or fruit at the back of my fridge. I would need to remedy that soon 🙂
I hope you’re all right now, Kiran! I know all sickness will disperse if I had a few slices of these delicious cinnamon pear loaf. 🙂
sophia recently posted..Downtown in the New Orleans
Sophia,
I am doing well now, thanks sweetie 🙂
I am craving a pear so badly right now…even better in the loaf form! Pears are SO in season now and I am lapping them up while I can! I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather too this past week and can’t think of anything better than a cuppa tea with a slice of this cake :)! As usual, love your photos!
Khushboo recently posted..100 Foods to EAT Before You Die
Khushboo,
Thanks a lot sweetie — I hope you are feeling well now 🙂
I hope you are felling better now. This loaf looks delicious 🙂
chinmayie @ love food eat recently posted..South Indian Lime Soup
Chinmayie,
Thanks a lot dear — I am feeling much better now 🙂
This looks so good! I’ve had apple cake, banana cake…but not yet pear cake. I imagine it is very good:)
Miss Kimbers @ Fruit Salad and Mixed Veg recently posted..Mieze’s plum cake
Miss Kimbers,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments 🙂 Pear cakes are just as delicious. Do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes!
Ah I almost forgot you are in Winter (we are in Summer). Pears are my favourite fruit in Winter 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Make Your Own Microwave Buttered Popcorn in 2 Minutes!
Lorraine,
Enjoy your summer!! I am envious, ya know 😉
At times I too get the cracks when baking but hei no big deal! Its about the taste and everyone enjoying the taste. What a wonderful outcome with the pears and yes, what waste when you can use them to make such lovely loaf.
Nava Krishnan recently posted..Spicy Seafood Fried Rice
Nava,
Thanks dear — it’s all about the taste and I truly appreciate your thought-process 🙂
I am seeing a lot of cinnamon bread these days and I am so waiting to bake a cinnamon bread myself 🙂
kankana recently posted..Orange Shrimp – spicy, tangy and ready in minutes!
Kankana,
Hahaha.. Don’t forget the pears 😉
Lovely photos yet again 🙂 I’ve never been good at making bread but this doesn’t look too difficult…maybe I’ll give it a go!
Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake recently posted..Snag Stand, Melbourne – gourmet hotdogs
Jenny,
Thanks sweetie — breads or loaves are often conceived as tedious in the making. Do try this easy-peasy loaf recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂
Just mouthwatering…looks so fresh, easy to prepare & delicious…lovely photos too!
Kalyan,
Thanks a lot! 🙂
What an appetizing pear & cinnamon bread! It looks so good & tempting too! 😉
Yummmm,..What’s Not to LOVe here?
Sophie recently posted..Energizing & good-for-you juices & smoothies!
Sophie,
Thanks sweetie — your comments always put a smile on my face 🙂
Wow, this cake looks wonderful!!!
Asmita,
Thanks sweetie 🙂
Sorry to hear you haven’t been well. That’s not a great start to the year. This recipe looks delicious and I just love how you’ve presented the loaf all wrapped up in a bow! Very sweet. Your images and styling are fabulous Kiran.
Hotly Spiced recently posted..Christmas with the In-Laws
Charlie,
Thank you so much for the compliments, dear — I am feeling much better now, although the cough doesn’t want to leave just yet. Like an annoying visitor 😀
I agree. Baking a loaf is so much more interesting than being aloof.
Beautiful pictures!
cityhippyfarmgirl recently posted..Chocolate Hazelnut Surprise- Frugal Friday
CHFG,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂
I baked something similar and it turned out great. Love the recipe and photos too :).
C&T,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the lovely comments 🙂 Off to check out your similar recipe!
Hey Kiran, The pear loaf is looking so wonderful ! I’m craving to have it rt off the screen, believe me its so inviting…I also liked ur previous apple salad and the new concoction you added to it. Have a wonderful week ahead. Thanks & Regards, Sonia !!!
sonia recently posted..Spicy Shredded Mango Pickle served with Mathhi
Sonia,
Thank you so much for such wonderful comments — it definitely made my day 🙂
fanstastic blog on cuisine can see the passion behind , great bread recipe with pear
Supriya@finediningindian recently posted..Easy_Italian _meatballs_ in_basil_cinnamon _flavored_ tomato_ sauce_authentic_recipe_for_home
Supriya,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂
Sorry to hear you’ve been unwell. 🙁 Your loaf looks wonderful though, and I can imagine it would be so comforting with a cup of tea.
Jennifer (Delicieux) recently posted..Black Dahlia Cake
Jennifer,
Thanks sweetie — I am feeling much better now 🙂
Oh no! Poor you. I was felled by a miserable cold right after Thanksgiving, too. Well, if luscious pear cake can’t cure what ails you, nothing will! Looks divine. 😉
Carolyn Jung recently posted..One Quick Bite Part II: Kitchen Door
Carolyn,
Thanks sweetie — I am feeling much better now, and hope you are too 🙂
I hope you’re feeling better soon. And how could you not with that cinnamon pear loaf nearby. I’m with you – drizzling on the love!
Marly,
Thanks for visiting Recipebox with your lovely comments 🙂
I’m sorry you’ve had a rough start to the year! Not fun at all. I love that you don’t like to waste food any more than I do. What a great way to use up pears. They bruise so easily and I hate throwing them out. I hope things improve for you!!
Kristi Rimkus recently posted..Just as Good as Fried – Crusty Paprika Baked Chicken Thighs
Kristi,
I am feeling much better now, thanks sweetie 🙂
Yummm….
Kiran, send me a slice of this beauty….
Very well done loaf and the clicks are awesome as always…
Reem,
Thanks sweetie — I wish I was well enough to teleport a slice or two. Couldn’t risk you getting a cold from me being ill 🙂
This looks really delicious! I actually have parsley going bad in the fridge…I buy a bunch and need a wee bit. I need to plant some – that way I don’t have to throw it away! I hope you feel better soon!
Ann recently posted..Orange Biscuits
Ann,
Thanks a lot sweetie — I usually wash, dry, chop and freeze fresh herbs in winter. That way it lasts longer without waste 🙂 Pears on the other hand, don’t freeze well.
Hoping you must be better by now. The cake is looking every inch comforting and I am sure its aromas must have driven away at least half your blues!
easyfoodsmith recently posted..some awards and DALIYA SAFED CHANA KI SALAD – RUBY SPOTTED BROKEN WHEAT CHICK PEA SALAD
EasyFoodSmith,
I am feeling much better now, thanks sweetie — and this loaf definitely help cleared some sinus 😀
Absolutely delightful!
Emily Malloy @Cleanliness recently posted..All About Quinoa- Power Breakfast
Emily,
Thanks sweetie 🙂
Oh, sorry you were sick! What beautiful pictures. My mouth was watering!
Susie Bee on Maui recently posted..Recipe for Roasted Squash with Mint and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Susie,
Welcome to Recipebox and thank for commenting 🙂 I am feeling much better now!
Oh my… this looks divine! I can’t wait to give this a try!
katie recently posted..{Food Photography} A Few of My Tips & Tricks
Katie,
Thanks sweetie — do let me know how it tastes 🙂 Hope to meet at Food Blog Forum!
Hi Kiran, hope you recover soon. When I fall sick, it’s my body telling me I’ve been working too hard and didn’t pay enough care and attention. so time for rest & recuperate.
What a gorgeous loaf with the pears, love the shots. I always tend to overbuy fresh produce when I go to the market, and forgot that I don’t have that much time to cook that week. so veggies wilt and fruits start to rot.. a trick I’ve learn from my mama: wrap veggies in paperbags or foil bags keep their life span longer.
Hi Shannon,
I am feeling much better now, thank you — and welcome to Recipebox 🙂
I never knew about the veggies wrap in paperbags trick. Gotta try it soon!
Hi Kiran, hope you recover soon. When I fall sick, it’s my body telling me I’ve been working too hard and didn’t pay enough care and attention. so time for rest & recuperate.
What a gorgeous loaf with the pears, love the shots. I always tend to overbuy fresh produce when I go to the market, and forgot that I don’t have that much time to cook that week. so veggies wilt and fruits start to rot.. a trick I’ve learn from my mama: wrap veggies in paperbags or foil bags keep their life span longer.
Oh dear!! This sounds amazing! And your pictures are perfection!!!
Katie,
Thanks a lot sweetie 🙂
Now it’s my turn Kiran, I got sick. 🙁 But it doesn’t seem like I can whip up this beautiful pear loaf like you did. =) Come to think of it, I’ve never tried pear loaf before. I should save this recipe in case I get some pears.
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Oden
Nami,
So sorry about being unwell 🙁 Not fun at all. I hope you feel better soon, dear.
This looks really delicious and I’ve bookmarked it to try. I love recipes with pears and don’t make them as often as I’d like or should! Love your site and your images, and am so glad to know about you! ~Betsy
Betsy,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the lovely comments 🙂 Do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes…
You had me at Cinnamon!!! Gets me everytime.
Your picture are making me hungry.
Glad you’re feeling better now.xx
Lucy recently posted..Valentines Poems
Lucy,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments 🙂
I also love anything and everything, cinnamon!!
Wow, this looks yummy! I am waiting out my last hour of work and this is really making me hungary! Looks fantastic! xxx
Heidi,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments 🙂
I love the flavor of pears in baked goods. Your photos are beautiful! Hope you’ve had a good month!
Aggie,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂
wow, was looking for this! thought i’d just imagined that a loaf like this existed as i really fancied making it. Thank you so much – as i think i’d’ve messed up a couple of times trying it without a recipe. YUUUUUUMMM