This is a really nice cake to enjoy with an afternoon cup of tea when you just need a little lift.

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C ( 400 F ) Gas Mark 6. Line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment.

Use an electric hand mixer to whisk the eggs, caster sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl for 5 minutes or until it thick and resembles a mousse.

Melt the butter in a pan and add the milk. Pour onto the egg mixture mixing all the time. Sift the flour, nutmeg and baking powder in the mixture and gently fold in. Make sure there are no lumps.

Pour mixture into the loaf tin. Add the sliced pears.

Bake for ten minutes at 200 C and then reduce the temperature to 180 C ( 350 F) Gas 4 and bake for 35 – 40 minutes until  golden brown and well risen.

Leave to cool in the tin for 20 minutes. Remove from tin and enjoy !!

Serving suggestion : This is lovely on its own but you could try it as a dessert by including custard on the side.