This is a yummy change from banana bread. The two secrets to making this are: 1) you must use over-ripe, juicy and flavorful pears and 2) do not over-mix. This should be stirred by hand (like most quick breads) to be extra moist and tender. This keeps nicely for several days.
This tripled recipe makes FOUR 8 x 3.75 x 2.2“ loaves. 5 lbs of pears makes two batches (8 loaves). 5 lbs of pears should produce approx 8 cups of grated pears with juice.
Ingredients
4 1/2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3 cups sugar (a little less is OK)
3 teaspoons vanilla
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4 - 4 1/2 cups grated peeled ripe pears with juice (about 6-7 med-large…..asian variety tastes best)
Technique
Whisk together dry ingredients (flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg).
In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients (the 7 remaining ingredients).
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients folding until just moistened.
Add 1 cup chopped pecans if desired (tastes great without).
Bake in a greased loaf pan at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.
Source: Joy of Cooking by way of Maria DiMaggio
tags: vegetarian, pareve, bake-sale