Cinnamon Swirl Pear Bread

SeriousMoms's Note:

I found this in an old Taste of Home magazine I had.

• Total Time: 3 hrs 40 mins
• Prep Time: 3 hrs
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 3 loaves

• 3 cups pears, chopped and peeled
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/4 cups sugar, plus
• 1 teaspoon sugar, divided
• 3 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water (110 to 115)
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 10 -11 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Combine the pears, 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes or until tender.
2. Drain well, but reserve the syrup. Add cold water, if necessary, to syrup to measure 1 cup; set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 1 tsp sugar; let stand for 10 minutes.
4. Add eggs, butter, honey, salt, almond extract, 4 cups of flour and reserved pears and syrup. Beat until smooth.
5. Add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface, knead for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
6. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place about 1 1/4 hours, or until doubled.
7. Punch dough down, divide into thirds. Roll each portion into a 16 x 8 inch rectangle. Combine cinnamon and 3/4 cup sugar, sprinkle over dough within 1/2 inch of edges.
8. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a short side; pinch seams to seal.
9. Place seam side down, in 3 greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
10. Bake 375 for 20 minutes, and then cover loosely with foil. Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer, or until bread tests done.
11. Let loaves cool on wire racks.

Reviews

[Sydney Mike]

I enjoyed making these loaves, & gave two away as gifts! Loved the subtle flavor of the pears combined with the more pronounced cinnamon! This is definitely a bread I want to make again & again! Thanks for posting the recipe! [Tagged, made & reviewed for one of my adoptees in the current Pick-A-Chef]