• 1/4 lb butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger (or cinnamon)
• pinch of salt
• pinch of black pepper
• 3 to 4 fresh pears
• powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Butter your cast-iron skillet or cake pan.

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Cream the butter and sugar together.

Add the eggs and vanilla. Whisk until it is light and fluffy.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Mix until well combined.

Pour the dry ingredients in with the wet and stir until they form a thick batter. It will seem too thick and that's okay. The pears you're about to add will also add moisture.

Peal, core, and finely chop the pears. Fold them into the batter.

Spoon the batter into the cast-iron pan and bake for 35 minutes.

Allow the cake to cool.

Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve with a good cup of coffee.