The Glory That Is Ginger

This one speaks for itself. Classic soda gingerbread at its finest.
Preheat your oven to 350.
In a 9" round cake pan put 3 tbsp of butter (or more for an extra goopy topping) and put it in the oven to melt. (3 minutes). Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/2 c. of lightly packed brown sugar on it. Peel, core and thinly slice 2 ripe pears and fan around pan covering the sugar and butter.
In a mixing bowl blend 1/2 c. molasses, 1/2 c. milk, 1 egg and 1.5 tbsp of freshly grated ginger.
Mix 2 1/4 c. flour (2.5 for a really nice heavy gingerbread) 1/4 c. sugar, 1 tsp baking soda and 1/4 tsp salt.
Add molasses mixture to flour mixture and blend. Add 1/4 c. melted butter and blend.
Pour batter over the pears and level.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until cake pulls away from the sides and cake tester (toothpick) comes out clean.
Place a large plate with sides over the cake, and quickly flip. Tap the edge of the pan and release the gingerbread glory!!! Yummy yummy yummy.
Enjoy with whipped cream. Or, after a few days, if slightly stale, soak in cream! OMG!