Pear Cobbler

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish (or large cast-iron skillet) with cooking spray.

Toss pear slices, brown sugar, ginger, cornstarch, cinnamon and cardamom together in a large bowl. Set aside.

Whisk all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Beat sugar, oil, vanilla and eggs with an electric mixer on high speed until very pale and fluffy, about 90 seconds. Add milk and beat on low speed until combined, about 20 seconds. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture, beating until just combined, about 1 minute. (Do not overmix.) The batter will be a little thick, but still pourable.

Spread the pear mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish (or skillet); pour the batter evenly over the pears. Bake until the topping is golden brown, the pears are tender and the batter is cooked through, 50 to 60 minutes. (A wooden pick inserted in the center will come out clean.) If necessary, cover with foil after 40 minutes to prevent excessive browning. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.