Cinnamon

This cake is best when served the day it is made. You can bake the cake in the morning and finish it later in the day. It can stand in a cool place for about 3 hours before serving. Marrons glacés (whole candied chestnuts) are available in specialty food stores.

These individual upside-down cakes are baked—and can be transported—in a muffin tin.

To make a dairy-free version of this recipe, substitute margarine for the butter and soy milk for the regular milk. The cake can be made (without the pears) 1 day ahead, and stored in plastic wrap at room temperature.

Serve with créme fraîche or whipped cream.

For individual bread puddings, divide the mixture among eight buttered 6-ounce ramekins; reduce the cooking time to 40 minutes.

If you prefer to omit the bourbon, simply double the amount of hot water.

You’ll need to make these onions at least 1 week in advance.