Pear Banana Bread

I have a pear tree that had a bumper crop this year and I wanted to find more ways to use some of the ripe pears. This is a tried and true quick banana bread recipe with the new addition of pears. Today is a special day at our house as my dear husband turns 60! Time to celebrate this milestone with his favorite Creamy Cheesecake on page 230-231 in the Milestone section of our new cookbook ~ Celebrations!

Ingredients:

• 2-1/2 cups flour, sifted
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup soft butter
• 1 egg
• 1 small ripe banana, cut up
• 2 small ripe pears, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. In medium sized bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

2. Chop walnuts in a blender and add to the dry ingredients.

3. In same blender container add the sugar, butter, egg, banana, chopped ripe pears, and milk.

4. Blend for 12 - 15 seconds, stopping motor to push down banana if necessary. 

5. Pour the blended ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until all ingredients are well moistened.

6. Pour batter into greased 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pan and bake on center rack of preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.