Friday, December 12, 2008

Pear Butter and Muffins

pearbutterjars

I came upon a cornucopia of pears through my CSA and decided to turn them into a light pear butter. Pears take on the loveliest velvety texture when baked and blended. It reminds me of the baby fruit purees I use to make for my children--yes, I would lick the leftovers. Since silkiness is provided by mother-nature, I just have to add the right complementary ingredients for my fruit spread. I chose maple syrup to provide some additional sweetness and richness, but the spices are really what makes this recipe special.

pearbutteronbread

The batch will yield two jars. You can enjoy it as a spread or a nice change from applesauce. I used one jar for our morning toast and then turned the rest into a batch of delicious gluten-free pear muffins.

pearmuffin

My kids loved them and immediately requested another batch.


Oven-Baked Pear Butter
The Pear Butter is vegan.

4 cups ripe pears, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoon orange zest
juice of one orange (1/4 cup)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

pearbutterjarandbread

Preheat oven 350F.
Mix all the ingredients in an oiled ceramic dish (lasagna pan). Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 20 minutes. Transfer pears to blender and pulse until smooth. Cool and transfer to jars. Refrigerate for up to a week.



pearmuffinplatter


Pear Butter Muffins (makes 12)

1/2 cup almond meal
1/2 cup millet flour
1 cup[ brown rice flour
1/2 teaspoon xantham gum
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup Sucanat (evaporated cane juice) or granulated sugar

1 cup Kefir or other liquid yogurt (buttermilk will work fine)
1/2 cup egg whites
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon GF vanilla extract
6 tablespoons pear butter
1/4 cup walnut pieces

Preheat oven 375F.
oil a muffin pan.

Mix the first seven ingredients in a bowl.
Mix the next 4 ingredients (yogurt-vanilla extract) in a bowl.
Incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.

Divide half the batter into the twelve muffin cups. Add 1/2 tablespoon of pear butter on top of each muffin. Then, top each dollop of pear butter with the remaining batter. Top each muffin with a sprinkle of walnut pieces and bake for 25-30 minutes or until nice and golden. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving or transferring to a platter.


pearbuttermuffincloseup

Similar recipes for you to enjoy:
Pumpkin Butter with Candied Ginger
Simple Fig Jam

19 comments:

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Diiiivine combination!

Sophie said...

I love baby food pears, so I know I'd really enjoy this. I'm not sure if I should be admitting the baby food-liking part :D, but they are so delicious! I ate them when I had my wisdom teeth pulled a few years ago :). I'd never thought of making a delicious pear spread like this!

RecipeGirl said...

They both look amazing. I like the thought of doing the pear butter in the oven too. Never have seen that.

Robin said...

Alexa- I hope you are feeling better now. The pear butter is so smooth looking, very pretty. And those muffins, perfect!

Jeanine - The Baking Beauties said...

I made some pear butter this year too, it is delicious! Those muffins look FANTASTIC! Wow!
Hope you're feeling better!

Anonymous said...

Mmm, that pear butter sounds wonderful... I've had plenty of apple butter in my time, but very little pear. I think it's time I remedy that!

Dewi said...

Hi Alexa,
Your muffins look so delicious and healthy! i never had pear butter before, it seem very interesting.
Cheers,
Elra

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

That pear butter sounds delicious and it is so simple too, I must try it. I wonder if I could do this same recipe with apples. I have a glut of them just now?

Susan @ SGCC said...

Both the butter and the muffins look scrumptious! I love them both. What a terrific way to use up some pears!

Unknown said...

Alexa,
I am so glad you are feeling better. This is the worst time of the year to be sick. I love your pear butter. It is so pretty and I know it must taste delicious. The muffins would disappear here too. A perfect combination.

Mike of Mike's Table said...

I just happen to have two empty jars that are itching to be filled with something and I love the sound of pear butter (and those muffins!). I have to whip up a batch of both very soon

Anonymous said...

Wow, that pear butter looks amazing! Never had it before!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

Even though I'm not one of your kids, can I request a batch for me? They're lovely!

CDM said...

Both of those look awesome! They are both going on my list of things to try over the holidays :) Thanks for such an increible looking recipe.

Deeba PAB said...

Both are rocking good pear recipes...can I request a batch too!

Anonymous said...

Have this spiced muffin recipe that uses apples. Will try it with pear :)

Anonymous said...

I'd like to be one of your kids for a day. Those look fab!

test it comm said...

I like the sound of pear butter and those muffins look great!

Marysol said...

Alexa, there's not a single thing about that pear butter recipe I'd change. Not one itty bitty thing.
And I know quite a few people who would love this, but I'm not sure I'd be willing to share the love.

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