PEAR-ALMOND LOAVES
Yield: 2 loaves

3 3/4 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 2/3 cups sugar
4 eggs
1/3 cup sour cream
2 cups chopped pears
2/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 2 8x4-inch loaf pans with non-stick vegetable spray.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and spices; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture alternately with sour cream, blending well after each addition. Stir in pears and almonds. Spoon into prepared loaf pans; smooth tops.

Bake 60 to 65 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center of the loaves comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on a wire rack.