1 cup coarsely ground walnuts (use a food processor for best results, or chop very fine)
1 cup whole wheat flour
4 cups bread flour divided
2 teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 pear, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
Instructions
In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, combine the warm water, yeast, and pinch of sugar. Let it sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
In a large bowl (a stand mixer is recommended) combine honey, butter, eggs, and yeast mixture.
Stir in dates and ground walnuts.
Using a dough hook, add wheat flour, 3½ cups of the bread flour. salt, and cinnamon (if using). Beat well for 4 minutes. (If kneading by hand, add the remaining flour now and knead for 6 minutes before kneading in the pears.)
Add chopped pears and stir until combined. Slowly add remaining flour until mixture comes away from the side of the bowl. Add a little extra flour if necessary. Dough will be soft and sticky.
Place dough into greased bowl. Cover and allow it to rise until double, 1 to 1½ hours.
Punch down dough and divide in half. On floured surface either roll dough into two balls and place on baking sheet, or form into two loaves and place in greased loaf pans.
Allow dough to rise in pans until almost doubled.
Heat oven to 375 F.
Bake approximately 35 minutes, or until the bottom of the loaves are browned and sound hollow when tapped. Brush the tops with butter if desired. Cool on racks before cutting.
Recipe by The Rowdy Baker at http://www.therowdybaker.com/?p=7166