I was very sad to see Mindy leave Masterchef last night. For anyone not watching the series. Last night was the episode that cut the contestants down to the final three. I'd had my money (not literally, I'm too cheap for that) on Mindy for about two months.
The dish she created last night was perfect and so tasty looking but one little set back sent her home - the snapper wasn't cooked through.
I personally thought it was a bit biased considering another contestant served raw fish and a rather unsatisfactory dish. Granted it was sashimi but it was still raw!
As much as I'd love a girl to win, I've now switched my money to Andy and I'll be cheering him on tonight when he is crowned Australia's next Masterchef.
My latest creation might not be Masterchef-worthy but it's a yummy, lightly-spiced bread that could be served with a nice hot coffee for breakfast or equally suit a posh afternoon tea. It's very quick to whip up. The only down side is that it requires a fair bit of grating but if you have a machine to do the work for you it's easy peasy.
There's something so rustic and friendly about the look of pears isn't there? Ok maybe it's just me but I wish I could have a fruit bowl full of them all year round.
There's not much work involved in making pear bread. You just need two bowls and a spoon and fork. To start, pour the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl, emphasis on large, and then stir them all together with a fork.
In another not so large bowl, stir the eggs, grated pear, sugar, butter and vanilla together.
Tip the wet ingredients on top of the flour mixture and stir it all together just until everything is combined. Don't over-stir it or you'll end up with tough bread.
Divide the batter between the two baking tins and spread it out so the tops are flat. Bake the loaves for 60-70 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Leave the baked breads in their tins to rest for 10 minutes.
Then transfer them over to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice it up fresh from cooling and serve to the hungry hoards.
I think a smear (or a big blob) of butter would finish it off perfectly. Enjoy!
What about you? Do you watch Masterchef? Who do you want to win?
This recipe was adapted slightly from Smitten Kitchen.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups plain AP flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 200 g 7oz butter, softened or ¾ cup oil
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups caster superfine sugar
- 3 firm ripe pears, grated (grate them at the last minute)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 175C (347F) fan-forced and great and line two loaf tins so that the paper extends over the long sides to make handles.
- In a large bowl, use a fork to combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, combine the butter, eggs, sugar, grated pear and vanilla.
- Tip the we mixture into the flour mixture and stir it all together just until it is mixed in.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two tins and bake the loaves for 60-70 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Leave the bread to rest in the tins for 10 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice up and serve.
Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef says
I had a "ladies who laugh" dinner party on Wednesday night and we had to keep the TV on for one woman (who doesn't cook, mind you) so she'd know who won. Halfway through dinner she was texting or messaging on Facebook.
I haven't watched this series at all. I must admit that sometimes the stress of it all gets to me. I hate it when someone does a meltdown. That's not enjoyable for me but I know it's exciting for a lot of people so I don't judge. I get my best recipes from blogs like yours and this gorgeous pear bread!
Claire says
Ladies who laugh? Tell me more that sounds like fun!
Hotly Spiced says
You were right about Andy. I really think though the crown should have gone to Mindy. She was definitely the best and most consistent cook this series. She shouldn't have taken advice from that stupid chef. And I think the prize money is so stingy. They're on that show for six long months and that show brings in so much money so Channel 10 is just miserable in my opinion. Lovely looking pear bread. That would be so yummy smothered in butter xx
Claire says
It was so disappointing. I picked Mindy from so long ago and she's been so consistent as you say. I hadn't thought about it but it is a pretty measly amount when you consider what the network gets and what the contestants give up!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Claire, this looks delightful, your pictures just keep getting better and better!
Claire says
You're too kind Chris! Thank you!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I haven't been watching Masterchef at all this year. Sadly I've missed the last couple of years, how bad is that? :o
Claire says
Pretty bad Lorraine! :-)
molly kelly says
I can vouch for this one as I was a very happy recipient of one loaf!
Very delicious and even better toasted and with the crowning blob of butter!
Mum x
Claire says
Thanks mum! Glad you liked it x
Jennifer (Delicieux) says
Love the sound of your pear cake Claire :D This sounds like it's taking banana bread up a notch.
I don't watch Masterchef, I just couldn't bring myself to watch the Australian version after being a fan of the original UK version, but I think you're right, often the wrong contestant goes home. I think it's all down to who they think will make better tv, which is sad really, when ultimately it's a cooking competition.
Claire says
Very true Jen a jazzed up banana bread. I have an even jazzier version coming up soon.
You're right although this season the last three people to be kicked out would have been my pick for the top three on cooking and personality!