I had the idea to make a pear gift basket for Christmas Gifts. (Pear bread, preserves, fruit and a candle) I have been searching for a great recipe. I found it on my second try! I will definitely keep this recipe in my box permantently. I did make a few substitutions based on recommendations I had read in other reviews. 1c sugarfree applesauce instead of oil (makes it moist), 1c brown sugar sub for 1c white sugar, add 1/2 tsp ground ginger. When trying this recipe, I baked 1 loaf in a glass pan and 1 loaf in a stoneware pan. Definitely go with the stoneware pan. It baked more evenly and retained moisture better.