Pear and Walnut Muffins

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup flour
• 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (8 oz.) carton plain yogurt
• 1 large egg
• Non stick cooking spray
• 3 tablespoons granulated or turbinado sugar
• 1 1/2 cups finely diced peeled pear (Anjou or Bartlett)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place walnuts in a food processor and process until finely ground.
3. Combine flours together and lightly spoon into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Blend flours and next 3 ingredients (through salt) in a medium bowl and stir well with a whisk. Stir in ground walnuts. Make a well in the center of the mix.
4. Combine brown sugar and the next 4 ingredients (through the egg) in a small bowl. Add to the flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Fold in the diced pear.
5. Spoon batter into 15 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle batter with the sugar and bake for 20 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched gently in center. Remove from pans immediately and place on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.