Pear Walnut Spice Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the raisins in a bowl and toss them with 2 tablespoons of the flour until lightly coated (this will prevent them from sinking in the cake batter during baking).
2. 2
   To make the cake: Beat the eggs and sugar in a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer) until fluffy.
3. 3
   With the mixer running, slowly pour in the vanilla and the oil.
4. 4
   In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
5. 5
   Mix into the egg mixture.
6. 6
   Mix in the pears and nuts, then stir in the raisins by hand, distributing them evenly in the batter.
7. 7
   Spoon into a 10-inch tube pan and bake about 45 to 60 minutes, until springy and dry in the center.
8. 8
   Let cool in the pan on a wire rack, then turn it out.
9. 9
   Freeze until ready to use or just wrap and store for up to 2 days.
10. 10
    To make the glaze: Stir the maple syrup and sugar together in a bowl.
11. 11
    Glaze the cooled cake by spooning the glaze around the top of the cake and letting it drip down the sides.