Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf

Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

The Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf is a delightful and flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of pears with the tanginess of lemon. This moist and tender loaf is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

The combination of pears and lemon in baked goods has been a popular choice for centuries. Pears have long been used in baking due to their natural sweetness and juicy texture, while lemon adds a bright and refreshing flavor to any dish. This recipe puts a modern twist on a classic flavor combination.

Ingredients

1.25 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
1 tbsp anise seeds
0.75 cups buttermilk
0.25 cups vegetable oil
2 tsp freshly grated lemon peel
1 tsp vanilla extract
1.5 firm medium Anjou pears, unpeeled
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 large eggs or equivalent egg substitute
0.75 cups sugar

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat a 9 x 5 inches loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine both flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and anise seeds. In a 2 cup measure, combine buttermilk, oil, lemon peel, and vanilla. Set both aside. Cut the whole pear in half and grate the halves coarsely, discarding the cores (you should have 1 cup). Transfer to a small bowl and toss with lemon juice. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine eggs and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer at high speed until pale and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. With a rubber spatula, alternately fold in the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture, making 3 flour additions and 2 buttermilk additions. Drain the grated pear, then gently fold it into the mixture. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
4. Bake the loaf until light golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. If the loaf is too brown after 45 minutes, cover it lightly with foil for the last 5 minutes. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Loosen the edges and turn it out onto the wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
Substitute the pears with apples or peaches for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle a lemon glaze over the top of the loaf for extra sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to grate the pears coarsely and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

- Folding in the grated pears gently will ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the loaf.

- If the loaf is browning too quickly in the oven, cover it lightly with foil to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice of Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven before baking to ensure even cooking.

- Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the grated pears to avoid overmixing the batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

- Vegetable oil can be replaced with melted butter or coconut oil.

Make Ahead Tips

This loaf can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf and arrange it on a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this loaf with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea for a classic combination. It also pairs well with a glass of sparkling cider or a fruity white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 32g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 14g

Fats

Total Fat: 5g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Proteins

Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 3mg

Calcium: 70mg

Iron: 1mg

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, Eggs, Milk

Summary

This Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with a good amount of protein. It also provides a decent amount of Vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Summary

The Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf is a delicious and versatile treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and bright flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha who lived in a quaint little village in the countryside. Martha was known for her delicious baked goods, and she had promised to teach me a new recipe that day.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the sweet scent of freshly baked bread, Martha rummaged through her old recipe box and pulled out a faded, yellowed piece of paper. She handed it to me with a smile, saying, "This recipe has been in my family for generations. It's a classic tea loaf that's perfect for any occasion."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients list: ripe pears, fresh lemon zest, vanilla extract, flour, sugar, and eggs. The combination sounded intriguing, and I couldn't wait to see how it would all come together. Martha patiently guided me through the steps, showing me how to peel and dice the pears, zest the lemon, and mix the batter until it was smooth and creamy.

As the loaf baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a heavenly aroma, Martha regaled me with stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother. She explained how the secret to a moist and flavorful tea loaf lay in the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, and how the addition of fresh fruit added a delightful twist to the traditional recipe.

When the timer finally chimed, signaling that the tea loaf was ready, I couldn't contain my excitement. Martha carefully removed it from the oven, and we watched as the golden crust glistened in the afternoon sunlight. She allowed it to cool slightly before slicing it into thick, generous pieces.

As I took my first bite of the Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf, I was transported to a world of pure delight. The soft, tender crumb melted in my mouth, bursting with the juicy sweetness of ripe pears and the zesty tang of fresh lemon. The flavors danced on my tongue, creating a symphony of taste that left me craving more.

From that day on, the Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often bake it for family gatherings, potluck dinners, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent sipping tea with friends. Each time I made it, I would think of Martha and her warm, welcoming kitchen, and I would be filled with gratitude for the precious gift she had shared with me.

Over the years, I have added my own twists and variations to the recipe, experimenting with different types of fruit, spices, and glazes. But no matter how many times I make it, the Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf always brings me back to that sunny summer day in Martha's kitchen, where I first fell in love with the art of baking.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will experience the same joy and satisfaction that I have found in creating this simple, yet oh-so-delicious treat. And who knows, perhaps one day they too will share their own stories of how they learned to make the Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf from their beloved grandmother.