Almond and Pear Cake

An Italian style cake. Regular all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend can be used. If using gluten-free flour use a good quality blended flour that includes a gum or add in 1 teaspoon of xanthan or guar gum with the flour. USe either a flan tin or a pie plate suitable to serve from. You can make your own almond meal by grinding blanched almonds in a coffee mill or food processor until finely ground. Tinned pears can be used if fresh are not available but fresh fruit give a preferable result.