Pears add moistness and a nice autumn flavor to bran muffins.

Pear Bran Muffins

2 pears, chopped
1 1/4 cups bran
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Combine peeled, chopped pears, bran, and milk in a bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes then stir in oil and egg.
2. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; blend into bran mixture, stir just until moistened.
3. Spoon into greased muffin tins two-thirds full.
4. Bake 400°F (205°C) oven for 18 minutes, or until done. Remove from oven. Cool on a wire rack.

Makes 1 dozen muffins.