PEAR CAKE

2 tbps. butter, plus additional for the pan
l/2 cup dry, fine, unflavored bread crumbs
2 eggs
l/4 cup milk
l cup granulated sugar
pinch of salt
l-l/2 cups flour
2 lbs. ripe pears
Preheat oven 350. Grease 9″ round layer cake pan with butter and
sprinkle with bread crumbs. Turn pan upside down & tap to get rid
of loose crumbs. In a bowl, beat together eggs & milk. Add the
sugar & salt and continue beating until well combined. Add flour,
mixing thoroughly. Peel pears, slice in half & scoop out seeds and
core. Cut lengthwise into thin slices. Add to bowl, mixing them with
other ingredients; batter will be very thick. Spoon batter into pan
leveling it off with back of a spoon or spatula. Dot the surface
with the butter. Bake in the top rack of oven for 45 mins., or until
the top is lightly golden. Remove it from pan as soon as it is cool
and firm enough to handle. It may be served lukewarm or cold.