Pear Spice Cake With Toasted Walnuts

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   ["For the toasted nuts (optional but worth it):", "Preheat oven to 350 F with the rack in the center.", "Chop nuts to the size you want them and arrange on a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, tossing once or twice to toast evenly. Toast until slightly browned and fragrant.", "For the pear sauce:", "Wash and roughly cube pears. I left the skin on for added nutrients. Place pears in a medium sauce pan with water.", "Bring to a boil over medium high heat and partially cover with a lid. Reduce to a simmer for about 25-30 minutes.", "Let cool a bit and then puree in a food processor or blender. Set aside.", "For the cake:", "Preheat oven to 400 F with the rack in the center. Prepare a 8"" round cake pan with parchment paper.", "Sift all of the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.", "Combine the wet ingredients in another bowl. With a spatula, stir to combine the wet and dry ingredients in one bowl.", "Coat 1/2 cup walnuts with the 2 tablespoons of flour. Add to the batter and stir gently to combine.", "Add the batter to the cake pan and top with additional 1/4 cup of walnuts and candied ginger pieces.", "Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. I baked ours for 20 minutes, but the middle was pudding like.", "Serve with whipped cream, thick Greek yogurt and/or chocolate sauce.", "For the chocolate sauce - optional but very worth it:", "Take a few tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and make a sauce with a little boiling hot water. Stir in some vanilla stevia drops or your favorite natural sweetener to taste."]

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.