Honey Cake with Caramelized Pears

Name: Honey Cake with Caramelized Pears
Yield: Makes one 10-inch cake
Ingredients: Unsalted butter, softened, for pan; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon coarse salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar; 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons best-quality honey; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest; Caramelized Pears (recipe follows); Freshly whipped cream or nondairy whipped topping, for serving (optional); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 3/4 pounds red Anjou pears, cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges (or 1/4-inch-thick wedges, if pears are firm); 1/4 cup best-quality honey; (makes about 2 cups)

January 26, 2012

To make a dairy-free version of this recipe, substitute margarine for the butter and soy milk for the regular milk. The cake can be made (without the pears) 1 day ahead, and stored in plastic wrap at room temperature.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.