Ginger Pear Muffins

2/3 C mild-flavor molasses
1/4 C butter, melted
1/4 C brown sugar
1 egg
1½ C flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ C boiling water
2 small pears
4+ oz dark chocolate
raw sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°.
Coat 12 muffin cups with non-stick cooking spray or line with cupcake papers.


Wash pears and pat dry. Cut into 6 wedges each, removing core. Break chocolate into small pieces.

Whisk together molasses, butter, brown sugar and egg. Add flour and spices all at once; stir until combined. Whisk in boiling water. Pour equal amounts into 12 muffin cups. Place 1 pear wedge in each muffin, pressing lightly.

Bake 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Add chocolate pieces to muffin tops; cool in pan on rack 10 minutes. Use a table knife to smooth melted chocolate. Sprinkle with raw sugar. Remove from muffin pan and cool completely.