Pear Oatmeal Muffins

Now that mornings are dark, and cold and it’s tough to get out of bed – there’s nothing like a muffin with oats, pears, and chocolate chips to ease the transition. 

• 2 pears, peeled and grated
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk*
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 425º, peel and grate pears. Line muffin pans with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl stir together 1 1/4 cups grated pears, butter, brown sugar, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Add dry ingredients to the wet, and stir until combined. Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips.
5. Fill muffin cups almost to the top – place in oven and lower the temperature to 375º. Bake muffins for 20 to 25 minutes, test with a toothpick. Makes 12 to 16.

* If you’re fresh out of buttermilk – pour one tablespoon of white vinegar in a measuring cup, then fill with milk to the one cup line. Let sit for ten minutes and add to recipe.