4 lg. ripe comice pears
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/3 c. light brown sugar
1 1/4 c. unbleached, all purpose flour
1/3 c. granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2/3 c. plain yogurt, whisked until smooth
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 lg. beaten egg
2 tbsp. molasses

Peel, core and cut pears into large pieces. In a non-aluminum mixing bowl, combine pears and lemon juice. Distribute brown sugar evenly over bottom of ungreased 8 inch round baking pan. Spread pears evenly on top. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, ginger, and cloves. In separate bowl, beat together egg, yogurt, and molasses. Stir liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour batter over pears and bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 50 minutes or until knife poked in center tests clean. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes. Turn cake out on serving plate, pear side up. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream or yogurt. Serves 6.