Ginger-Almond Pear Bread

Name: Ginger-Almond Pear Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices).
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup canola oil; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups finely chopped peeled ripe pears (about 2 large); 1/2 cup chopped almonds

We inherited a bountiful pear tree when we moved to our property years ago. The fresh-picked fruit is especially luscious in this moist quick bread spiced with ginger and dotted with crunchy almonds.—Ruth Ealy, Plain City, Ohio

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
2 large eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups finely chopped peeled ripe pears (about 2 large)
1/2 cup chopped almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk the first seven ingredients. Stir in crystallized ginger. In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil and extract. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Fold in pears and almonds (batter will be stiff).
Transfer to a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.

Originally published as Pear Ginger Almond Bread in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2014