Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Article content
One of the pleasures of travelling in Europe is the wide range of bakeries. Whether it’s wonderful breads or beautiful sweet treats, the assortment is vast.
Article content
I spotted an interesting chocolate loaf in a small bakery on one of my recent trips to France. What was intriguing was whole pears were baked into the loaf.
This resulted in a very pretty dessert when the loaf was sliced: A beautiful slice of cooked pear surrounded by chocolate cake.
Article content
I’ve re-created this loaf at home and added cardamom for a festive touch. Cardamom is a wonderful spice that lends itself to both sweet and savoury dishes.
Serve this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special holiday treat.
Chocolate Pear Loaf
(Serves 8)
1/3 c. (75 ml) cocoa powder
1-1/2 c. (375 ml) flour
2 tsp. (10 ml) baking powder
1 tsp. (5 ml) ground cardamom
1/4 tsp. (1 ml) ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. (2 ml) salt
1/2 c. (125 ml) brown sugar
1/4 c (50 ml) white sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. (125 ml) vegetable oil
3/4 c. (175 ml) sour cream
3 ripe but firm Bosc pears (skin on)
Directions:
1. Sift cocoa powder into a medium bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, cardamom, cinnamon and salt. Stir to combine. Set aside.
2. In another larger bowl, combine the sugars and egg. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth.
3. Beat in the vegetable oil and sour cream until smooth.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and continue to beat on low speed until combined.
5. Spoon the batter into a loaf pan.
6. Using a small spoon, carefully remove the core of each pear from the bottom end, making sure to leave the stem intact.
7. Gently push the three pears into the batter. Smooth out the batter with a small spatula around the pears. (The top of each pear will be above the batter).
8. Bake in a preheated 350F (180C) oven for one hour.
9. Remove to a rack and let cool for at least 15 minutes.
10. Cut into slices and serve with vanilla ice cream.
11. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Recommended from Editorial
Share this article in your social network
