GINGERBREAD CAKE WITH CARAMELIZED PEARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350*F.
• Grease and flour a 10 inch bundt pan.
• Combine the flour, soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves and salt in a bowl and mix well.
• Combine the pear puree and buttermilk in a bowl and mix well.
• Beat the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until creamy, scraping the bowl occasionally.
• Add the molasses and beat until blended.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; the batter will appear curdled.
• Add the flour alternately with the pear mixture, beating well after each addition and scraping the sides of the bowl frequently to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or untila wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake begins to pull away from the side of the pan.
• Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Remove to a wire rack.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Beat the whipping cream, sugar, vanilla and 1/2 tsp cinnamon in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
• Slice the cake and arranges on individual dessert plates, topped with the whipped cream and caramelized pears.
• For the pears: Heat the butter in a large heavy skillet until sizzling.
• Add the pears and toss to coat.
• Sprinkle with the sugar and stir.
• Cook for 10 minutes until the pears are caramelized and tender, stirring gently.
• Remove and let stand until room temperature.