Pear Muffins

I have found myself scrabbling on the weekends to use up any produce I received on Monday before my next delivery.  Normally there's not much left.  This weekend I only had pears and spinach left to consume.  I do not care for just biting into a pear, they're a bit grainy for my taste.  I don't mind having them in a salad or baked.  I started searching online for something to make with these beauties.  I found a pear bread recipe, but didn't want to make a loaf of sweet bread, so I changed a few things and made muffins.  It's perfect because you can freeze them in packs of two to consume anytime you darn well please.

Last night I made chicken and noodles for my family.  Once again I was a bit nervous, what if my dad thought they were nothing like the ones his mother made growing up?  What if everyone left disappointed?  Grandma was an awesome cook and I am not trying to fill her shoes, but fill a void we have for some of her wonderful comfort food.  I am happy to announce that everyone loved them!  Dad even had seconds!!!  Woohoo, success!!!

I used chocolate chips on half of the muffins.  It's a great flavor!

Pear Muffins
(adapted from allrecipes.com)

1 cup applesauce (I was a little short of a full cup so I added 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 eggs                                                        
3 pears  (peeled, cored and chopped)
2 tsp vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, optional

1. Preheat oven to 350°.  Lightly grease two muffin pans.
2. In a large bowl combine applesauce, sugars and eggs; mix well.  Stir in pears and vanilla.  In another bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Stir dry ingredients into pear mixture; mix well.  Pour into prepared pans.  Top with chocolate chips, if desired.
3. Bake 20-30 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the middle muffin comes out clean.