Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the two long sides to overhang; set aside.

Core and chop 2 pears into ½-inch pieces; set aside. In a small cup, stir together milk and apple cider vinegar; set aside. In a small pot set over low heat, melt 1 stick of butter; set aside.

In a medium skillet set over medium-high heat, melt remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add ¼ cup of sugar, reserved chopped pears, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the pears are softened and caramelized; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and ¼ teaspoon of salt; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine eggs, remaining ¾ cup of sugar, melted stick of butter, and milk/vinegar mixture. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir until moistened. Fold in caramelized pear pieces, with juices and all.

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Thinly slice remaining pear and artfully arrange on top. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from pan.