Recipe

Pear Ginger Coffee Cake

Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups diced (1/4 to 1/2 inch) and peeled pears
1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (or 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
2 to 4 tablespoons crystalized (candied) ginger, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or spray with cooking spray a 9 by 13 inch baking pan and dust with granulated sugar, if desired. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, salt and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat the egg and vanilla. Sift together the flour and baking soda. Alternately add the flour mixture in two parts with the buttermilk, beating a minute or two after each addition. Fold in the pears. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar and the ginger and sprinkle on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Cool at least 20 minutes before serving; serve warm or at room temperature.