Pear Bread

By SandyBishop

A lovely tea bread that is special enough to be dessert for a picnic. It freezes well so keep an extra loaf on hand for unexpected guests. The Governor's Inn, Ludlow, Vermont

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sweet butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch nutmeg
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup coarsely chopped cored pears (or pureed in food processor or blender)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preparation

Step 1

Cream butter, gradually beat in sugar, and add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Combine dry ingredients and add to egg mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in pears, vanilla, and nuts. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour. Cool. Slice and serve plain, with Quick Apple Butter (recipe follows), or with cream cheese.