1 (16 oz.) can pear halves
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cardamom (optional)
1/4 c. oil
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tsp. lemon peel
1/2 c. nuts

FOR GLAZE:

2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 c. powdered sugar

Drain pears, reserving syrup. Set aside one pear-half for garnish. Puree remaining pear halves, adding reserve juice to equal 1 cup. Lightly stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cardamom.

Combine pear mixture with oil, egg and lemon peel. Stir into dry ingredients. Fold in nuts. Pour into greased 9x5 inch pan. Slice reserved pear half in 6 thin strips and arrange them on the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes. Mix the glaze and spoon over the warm bread.