Combine strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tsp. rum extract and let sit in a container in the refrigerator.
Sift flour. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. In a small bowl combine egg, sugar and butter; beat until light and fluffy.
Add flour mixture and buttermilk to egg mixture. Stir in pears and rum extract. Pour batter into a buttered baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Top with marinated strawberries and this is a heavenly, light dessert.