Ginger Pear Muffins

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 knuckles of ginger root, chunked
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1/2 cup vegan sugar
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 pears, cored and diced

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

1. Use cooking spray on muffin tin.
2. Process ginger in a food processor until finely milled.
3. Add ginger to a small skillet with half of the sugar over medium heat, shaking until sugar melts (WARNING! THIS WILL BE HOT!!!) Turn off heat and allow to cool.
4. Combine flour, cornmeal, soda, salt, powder, oats and sugar in a large bowl.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, lemon zest and buttermilk.
6. Combine contents of the two bowls and stir. Add ginger and pears and fold together gently.
7. Spoon into muffin tins and bake at 375 degrees about 15 minutes.