Jiffy Hands Pear Bread

In my real life, I teach second graders.  The first day of fall means a whole new set of books on display in my classroom.  Without hesitation, I will read Mr. Putter and Tabby Pick the Pears by Cynthia Rylant. I love Mr. Putter, his fine cat Tabby, busy Mrs. Teaberry, and Zeke the dog! When my children are through with Mr. Putter, I will have to find a way to continue reading them to anyone who will listen.

The Pick the Pears book finds Mr. Putter unable to pick pears because of some "cranky knees," but he does have some "jiffy hands" to get rid of the pears littering the ground. The book ends with Mr. Putter being surprised by wonderful, fall baked goods.

As I picked up my CSA box with 4 not-so-ripe looking pears, I thought, "What can I do with these overripe pears?"  A quick Google search of those exact words showed me tons of ideas, but the bread seemed best for our family.  It will be a great treat as we enjoyed reading and listening to the adventures of Mr. Putter.

Those pears have seen better days!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 t baking soda
• 1/4 t baking powder
•  1 t salt
• 1 T ground cinnamon
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 1/2 sticks of butter, softened
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 pears
• 1 t vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans. 
2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in large mixing bowl. Mix well.
3. Peel and core the pears.  Grate them. Set aside.
4. Combine butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and pears.  Mix well.
5. Add pear mixture to dry mixture.  Combine well.  Add nuts. Mix.
6. Bake for 60 - 70 minutes; until a toothpick come out clean.
7. Cool bread on wire rack. 

TIME: 20 minute prep time; 60 minutes baking time

DIFFICULTY: Medium 

SOURCE: My search led me here: http://www.thekitchn.com/falls-other-fruit-8-things-to-131549