Fresh Autumn Pear Bread

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
lh teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
teaspoon grated nutmeg
1A cup buttermilk or yogurt
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh ripe pears, skin left on

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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and

sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and nutmeg. Add the four mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing gently but thoroughly. Gently stir in the pears. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour, or until a cake tester inserted near the center comes out clean.

MAKES 1 LOAF                      More Than a Tea Party, Boston, MA