Vanilla Pear Muffins

There are two delinquent birds that like to wreak havoc around my neighborhood. They run up and down the streets without a care in the world. They chase and peck at wandering cats. Small animals run from them in terror. Theses birds are fearless. If I didn't know any better, I would imagine these birds were outlaws on the run from the law, showing man and beast just who's in charge.

In the early hours of the morning, they like to drum on the basement windows with their beaks. The sound is so loud, it resonates throughout the entire house. The first time I heard it, my sister and I were both certain that someone was trying to break in by pounding hammers against the windows. But, no. It was just the birds.

After I caught them in the act, they ran away, pecking each other playfully as if to congratulate themselves on their dirty deeds. These birds know no boundaries. I'm almost afraid of them. I wonder, if I met them in a dark alley, would they chase me around and peck at my ankles?

I hope I don't have to find out.

Since this early morning window pounding has become a regular affair, sleeping in has become a thing of the past. And, while this certainly doesn't make me too happy, I think the results of my early morning baking will please you.

This morning, I made some muffins. While many of you may scoff at yet another muffin recipe being sent your way, I would like to point out that these aren't just any old muffins; these particular muffins are something to write home about.

Instead of telling you what I think of them, I want to share what one of my muffin taste testers shared with me: "The muffins were not only delicious, but tasted unlike any other dessert I have consumed. The flavor of the pear nutmeg muffin has no equal; certainly nothing to which I can compare. The muffin occupies its own pedestal for delectability in the 'tasty and delicious' hall of fame. A truly unique combination of ingredients."

If that doesn't sell you on these, I'm not sure what will.

These vanilla pear muffins are moist, tender, and one-of-a-kind. These muffins have a very unique texture, closely resembling a bread instead of a light cake. The flavors are what really make these muffins shine. Certainly you've had pears and nutmeg together before, but this will change everything you thought you knew about it. Combined with a hint of vanilla, this flavor fusion will blow your taste buds out of the water. Trust me when I say you need to make these muffins as soon as possible.

Click to read more ...

Vanilla Pear Milk

Pears have always been one of my favorite fruits. Not only do they have an elegant shape, but they are juicy and charmingly sweet. Though, pears have a dark side. They can be temperamental, finicky, and are never perfectly ripe.

I would argue that pears are one of the most elegant and graceful fruits until you bite into them. Whenever I bite into a ripe pear, a small explosion occurs. Juice dribbles down my chin, sprays my clothing with a fine mist, and runs down my hands until I am sticky and dripping puddles on the floor. Maybe you have more grace when eating pears (and I commend you for it), but I certainly don't. Pears are only portable in theory. I can never eat a pear in public with good conscious (well, not unless I'm eating them with a knife and fork and who does that?).

Finding a ripe pear is virtually impossible. I believe Eddie Izzard, one of my favorite comedians, said it best.

Pears are like a rock, so you think, "I'll take them home and they'll ripen up," and you put them in a bowl, and they sit there going, "No! No! Don't ripen yet! Don't ripen yet! Wait till he goes out of the room! Ripen now! Now! Now!" And you come back in, and you go, "I'll just have one of these… Hey, these pears are dead!"

The pears are mush before you even saw it coming.

This vanilla pear milk is light and sweet. The texture falls somewhere between yogurt and a smoothie. The dash of cinnamon melds all of the flavors together in a way I didn't expect. Treat yourself to this healthy, delicious drink. You won't be disappointed.

Click to read more ...

Pear Chips

Montreal got several feet of snow overnight. The city was draped in a heavy blanket of white and, for once, the city grew quiet. It felt like one of those elusive snow days. You know, one of those magical childhood days where school was cancelled and your mother let you play outside all day long. I spent most of the morning cuddling up next to the heater with blankets before I got the courage to bundle up and go for a walk.

I am so glad I did.

I live right next to Mount Royal Park, the biggest park in Montreal. It features a "mountain," which gives a glimpse of downtown Montreal from the top (though the mountain is more of a big hill than an actual mountain). At two o'clock on a Tuesday afternoon, the mountain was almost completely deserted.
The park always seems to transport me to a place outside the city. It is private, heavily wooded, and the sound of traffic is lost in the wind. It's the perfect escape from city life, even though it is situated in the heart of the city. I guess you could call it Montreal's version of Central Park.
It was snowing heavily so any small paths that had been carefully trudged were quickly disappearing. More than once I strayed from the path and got lost among the trees (Ooo, what's that shiny thing? I should take a picture of it!). Most notably, I ended up climbing a steep, slippery hill in powder up to my waist, clutching my camera high in the air with one hand and pawing at the ground with the other. I may not be the most practical person you'll ever meet, but that camera stayed dry. Well, at least until the wind came up and covered it with the entire contents of a snowy branch (poor camera).
The steps leading to the top of the mountain were treacherous. Partially because none of the 200 individual stairs were visible, but mainly because the railings were as slick as ice. Though, the snowy view of the city was worth every mutter under my breath on the way to the top. Believe me.
The sun quickly began to set, my snow-soaked clothes were starting to freeze, and so it was time to trudge my way back home. After my two and a half hour walk, I stumbled back into my apartment and cuddled back up to the heater with a mug of hot tea and warm thoughts.
I don't think snow days should be productive or stressful. Instead, I think they should be taken advantage of and enjoyed in much of the same way as a child. Even though you may not be having snowball fights or building forts, its nice to spend some time out enjoying the weather.
These pear chips have been caramelized with their own sweet fruit sugars. I like to make (and eat) fruit chips because each chip offers something a little bit different. Some are crisp and crunchy like a potato chip. Others are extra sweet and chewy, reminding me of these baked apple chips. Pear chips can be a side to any meal and make the perfect midday or midnight snack. You might forget these are healthy because they taste so good.

Click to read more ...