Pear and Walnut Muffins

My hubby Manuel is a true muffin addict or lover; in other words he can kill a whole tray of muffins in a day! This week my parents and us got our hands on a whole box of fresh pears from the markets with approximately 5-10kg for only $3! We couldn't believe. So to make my hubby's day I decided to make some healthy muffins using wholemeal spelt flour. Spelt flour is an ancient grain which can be good for people that are intolerant of wheat but it also has many other health benefits. It is said to be an excellent source of manganese and a good source of fiber, phosphorus, Vitamin B3, magnesium, copper and protein. For more information refer to the World's Healthiest Foods Website to find out more.

For these muffins you will need the following

• 2 cups of wholewheat spelt flour
• 1/3 cup rapadura sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 free range eggs beaten
• 3/4 cups of fresh pear juice (made in the juicer)
• 1/4 cup macadamia nut oil or olive oil
• 1 handfull of walnuts chopped

1. First preheat your oven to 180 degrees or 160 degrees if fan forced
2. In a bowl mix together dry ingredients
3. Next add all other ingredients until combined
4. Spoon into the muffin trays until they are 3/4 full and bake for 30 minutes approximately or 20 minutes if using fan forced. They should be golden brown on top when they are finished.

 You can also use your thermomix for these. I first add all dry ingredients and mix them on speeds 4-5 for half a minute. Then I add the remainder ingredients apart from the walnuts and mix them for 2-3 minutes speed 6 until combined. Then I add the walnuts and mix them on reverse on speed 3 for a minute or so. Spoon into muffin trays and bake as mentioned above.

These are also great to bake and freeze individually so that you always have something handy when you feel like a treat but want something healthier than the store bought muffins.

Enjoy!