Monday, September 29, 2008

Pear-Oatmeal Muffins

Tons of fresh pears were quickly ripening and something had to be done. I also just happened to have a little bit of ricotta left in the fridge which led me to this muffin recipe.

These muffins were quick and easy to throw together and everyone really loved them. I made 14 regular sized muffins and then some mini-muffins. I thought they tasted a little bit better warm, but they were good cold too. If you have some pears waiting to be used, chop them up (peel included) and make some muffins!

Pear-Oatmeal Muffins from Cooking Light

1 cup quick-cooking oats, divided

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

2 cups chopped ripe pear

3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk

1/3 cup light ricotta cheese

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 large egg white

1 large egg

Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400°.
Combine 1/2 cup oats, flour, and next 6 ingredients (flour through allspice) in a large bowl. Stir in pear, and make a well in center of mixture. Combine buttermilk and next 5 ingredients (buttermilk through egg), and stir well with a whisk. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Spoon batter into 18 muffin cups coated with cooking spray; sprinkle 1/2 cup oats evenly over batter.
Bake at 400° for 18 minutes or until done. Remove from pans immediately, and cool on a wire rack.

6 comments:

Aggie said...

Another great one from Cooking Light! These look awesome. I know my kids will gobble them up!

Sorry about your loss Sat, at least you came back (according to my husband, I didn't see then end)...I know what it's like living with a man after such disaster! They take it pretty hard, lol!

The Blonde Duck said...

That's so creative! I love Cooking Light. It's a fabulous magazine.

The Food Librarian said...

I have some pears who were calling out for this recipe. I'm trying to embrace fall and this is just the thing. Yours look wonderful!!!!

Prudy said...

Just used my last pear-darn-on an appetizer. I walked right by them today at the fruit stand. Wish I had seen this post first since they look amazing.

Alexa said...

Another winner-- Wow, these muffins look great! I love the delicate taste of pears. The buttermilk, ricotta cream inside looks awesome. I get so inspired every time I visit you!

Anonymous said...

These look delicious. I'm always amazed by Cooking Light's ability to make baked goods taste rich and satisfying!