Sweeten Up the Holidays With a Poached Pear Chocolate Cake

There's something about the holiday season that brings a sense of hope, happiness, and optimism for the new year. Right around when Thanksgiving preparations begin, I feel myselfgetting excitedfor the upcomingget-togethers,present wrapping, and hustle and bustle of getting our home ready for the holidays.

As a chef, my life revolves around what is going on in my oven and on top of my stove. I love getting out of my comfort zone (of savory cooking) and taking on a baking project around the holidays. This year, inspired by the legendaryRoyal Riviera Pears, I decided to make a chocolate pear loaf cake with tea-poached pears. Whole pears, a deep chocolate ganache, and a moist crumb make this recipe divine. I love hearing the oohs and ahhs when I cut the first slice and the beautiful center of the poached pear reveals itself.

The holidays are also a time to take the season's magic and create a special moment for a friend or loved one. I love sending flowers to friends to brighten their week.Fresh cut bouquetsand a special note are always appreciated and show those we care about that we are thinking of them.

The special deliveries we receive this time of year make the season memorable:holiday cardsthat reveal how families are growing and thriving, packages of gifts to receive or wrap, and, of course,gift basketsthat fill us with joy as we dig in to see what treats they contain. I love opening a curatedholiday gift boxand enjoying amouthwatering pear, thefruit and nut mixes, and — my favorite —chocolate covered cherries.

So this year, as we inch closer to what the holidays of years past felt like, I will be celebrating with more gratitude and appreciation for those I love. Through good food, renewed cheer, and special deliveries for all, I predict this holiday season will be the best one yet.