Banana Pear Quick Bread

Banana Pear Quick Bread RecipeAn abundance of over-ripe bananas sat staring at me from their perch on the kitchen counter.  I over bought fruit in preparation for my girl coming home on spring break.  I forgot that she rarely eats a banana, adding one to her morning smoothy being the exception.  As for me, well I love bananas, but only in their perfectly yellow state.  Once the dark brown freckles of ripening appear,  into the freezer they go, kept on ice for another use.
Banana Pear Quick Bread RecipeBanana bread and muffins have never been my thing.  I know, weird, right?  I love bananas, but rarely do I find a bread recipe that appeals to me.  The one exception is Joanne Chang’s recipe.  Joanne is the famed pastry chef behind Flour Bakery in Boston.  I have had the pleasure of visiting her bakery and eating my way through most everything she bakes.  Her recipe for Banana Bread found it’s way to the internet long before her book Flour made it into print, so I have been making it for years now.
Banana Pear Quick Bread RecipeThree ripe bananas calling my name, I was one half banana short for  Joanne’s recipe.  Why not add the pear that was also threatening to over-ripen on me if not promptly devoured?  So that is just what I did.  Can I tell you what a wonderful addition that little pear made to this bread!  I don’t know that I will ever make banana bread again without adding a pear, or maybe an apple, or maybe…

One interesting and educational note I just had to share.  I have never liked eating the skin of a pear.  The gritty feeling I sense when the peel comes in contact with my tongue just isn’t appealing.  That grittiness actually has a name.  Stone cells.  Who knew?
Banana Pear Quick Bread Recipe

 

Adapted from Joanne Chang’s FLOUR cookbook




7 thoughts on “Banana Pear Quick Bread

  1. The lush photos make this such an appealing post! I am wishing for ripe bananas and pears, just to try this wonderful version of Banana Bread. A big fat slice would make my Sunday morning coffee so much better!

    (I know what you mean about the grainy texture of pears, but a ripe, juicy pear is such a special treat.)

  2. I love when a little improvisation works out so well – this looks wonderful, Mary. Banana bread is one of my absolute favourites – there’s always bananas lying around my kitchen. I’m not too fond of pears on their own, but love them baked into a cake or dessert.

  3. Just made this and also just ate several pieces while warm slathered with butter…
    gave a piece to my friend who said …” I don’t really like banana bread…” after her third piece she changed her mind!!
    I used pecan halves and it was great! Thanks so much for such a wonderful treat and addition to my recipe colection!

    • Thanks so much Clare! Your comment made my day. And, it reminded me of that recipe which I haven’t made in a while. With pears galore in the markets these days, I think it’s about time to revisit it.

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