Golden Pear Cake

Pear Layer:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small saucepan, stir together the butter, sugar and molasses.
3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
4. Pour into the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch baking pan.
5. Slice any thick pears in half vertically then place the pears over the molasses layer; set aside.

Cake Layer:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cloves; set aside.
2. In the bowl of a mixer, cream together the shortening and sugar on medium speed until well blended.
3. Scape the sides and bottom of the bowl then turn back on.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla, blending in each addition, then scrape the bowl again.
5. In a measuring cup, combine the milk, lemon juice and pear juice.
6. On low speed, add 1/3 of the flour mixture followed by half of the milk mixture.
7. Add another third of flour mixture followed by the rest of the milk mixture.
8. Then add the remaining flour and stir until well blended.
9. Pour over the pears and spread out evenly.
10. Bake for 30-40 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven and immediately invert onto a serving platter.