Pear-Walnut Muffins

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 medium pear, cored and finely chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 C). Lightly grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper baking cups.

2. In a mixing bowl stir together flour, the 1/2 cup brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Make a well in center of flour mixture. In a bowl beat egg; stir in oil, yogurt, and vanilla. Add all at once to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in pear.

3. Fill prepared muffin cups two-thirds full. For topping, combine walnuts and the 2 tablespoons brown sugar; sprinkle onto batter in cups. Bake in preheated 400 degree F (200 C) oven about 20 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

Makes 12 muffins.

Date: November 13, 2003