Mandarin Orange and Pear Muffins

These muffins are light and refreshing, thanks to the bold orange flavour and a sweet topping.  I topped the muffins with two pieces of  Mandarin orange and added a sprinkling of sugar to give them a crusty top.  The pears added a fruity flavour and provided a moist texture to the muffins as well.

Recipe for Pear and Mandarin Orange Muffins

Ingredients   

• 9 oz plain flour
• 4 oz caster sugar 
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup melted butter or Canola oil (I used melted butter)
• 125 to 150 ml plain yoghurt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 cup chopped pears
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• a pinch of salt
• Mandarin orange
• Sugar for sprinkling

Method

1. Sift flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a mixing bowl.  Add in the sugar and mix well.
2. Lightly whisk the eggs, oil, yoghurt and vanilla and mix thoroughly.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, toss in the chopped pears, mix till just combined.
4. Scoop the batter into the muffin pan.  Arrange 2 pieces of Mandarin orange on the surface and add a sprinkling of sugar.
5. Bake in a preheated oven @ 200 deg.C for 20 to 25 mins.  Test with a skewer till it comes out clean.
6. Let muffins cool in pan and serve warm.
7. Yield : 12 Muffins

I'm linking this post to the 'Little Thumbs Up' event and the theme for August is 'Flour'

organised by

Zoe of  'Bake for Happy Kids', Doreen of  'My Little Favourite DIY' and hosted by
Diana Gale of   'Domestic Goddess Wannabe'