Fresh Ginger-Pear Quick Bread [Menu]

I have always liked creative assignments. I'm not sure if that goes against the basic principles of art or not, but it's something I really enjoy. This is a large part of why I joined Project Pastry Queen. I really love the weekly assignments, and, outside of one recipe, I've had nothing but wonderful experiences with the recipes from The Pastry Queen.




That being said, I had never made bread before this week. And I, certainly, had never considered "pear bread" a viable option of where to start. I mean, I like pears. But I didn't think the texture would translate well, and they don't have an especially strong flavor so I didn't think anything positive would really be garnered by trying to incorporate them into the finished product.
But this recipe and this bread is fantastic. The ginger really lets the pear flavor shine, and using the chunks of pear, rather than just a puree, is really the way to go.

I made two loaves at once. One for my visiting parents and grandma (and Matt and my dear co-worker, Caroline) and one for our upstairs neighbors/friends. And it seems like when you're chopping it all up you're going to be using WAY too much pear. But just go with it. The finished product is moist and flavorful - with a pleasant zing from the ginger and a subtle sweetness from the fruit. Everyone who had some (at least from what I was told) really loved it.




So I hope you try it soon! Although I'm now two weeks late to really participate in the actual assignment, I really wanted to try this. And it was the first thing baked in our new oven! But, even though I'm late, in the spirit of the project, I want to give credit where it's due. This recipe was chosen for our group by Aliza of Baker By Night. Please hop over to her blog for the recipe and enjoy your baking exploits! If you've never made bread before (like me!) this is a great place to start.