Vanilla Pear Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large ripe pear, thinly sliced

2 Tbls. light brown sugar mixed with ¼ tsp. nutmeg, for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Cream together the brown sugar, oil and butter. Add the eggs, vanilla, zest and applesauce until well combined. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.

Distribute the muffin batter evenly between 14 baking cups.  Place 3 thin slices of pear directly into top of the muffin batter. Sprinkle sugar mixture onto the muffins.

Bake for 25 minutes or until the muffin tops bounce back to the touch. Enjoy!