Pear-Almond Cake with Chocolate Chunks

Preheat oven to 375 °- F. Line 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Grease the paper, then flower the pan.

In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.

In separate large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup sugar and 2 eggs until pale yellow, approximately 2 minutes. Add butter. Stir into flour mixture until just combined.

Pour half of batter into pan and top with half of the pear slices and half of the chocolate. Repeat with remaining batter, pears and chocolate.

In food processor (or blender), finely grind almonds with remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Add egg white and process until smooth. Drizzle over cake and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup almonds.

Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, approximately 45-50 minutes. Let cool slightly, then dust with the powdered sugar.