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Pear Bran Muffins for #SundaySupper

February 15, 2015 By Renee 33 Comments

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Pear Bran Muffins | Magnolia Days

Hearts are everywhere in February. They are especially prevalent in the first half leading up to Valentine’s Day. You see them everywhere. Cards, gifts, clothes, food, and even text messages are filled with them. However the most important ones are on the inside. Those precious heartbeats need to keep going. To have a strong and healthy heart is a goal one should not put aside. It is with that thought in mind that I made Pear Bran Muffins.

February is American Heart Month. It is a time of awareness and action. Even taking small steps and making a few changes can be very beneficial. I know this because I have high blood pressure. It is in my best interest to keep the pressure within normal range and not put a strain on my heart. How to do that? Well, first read on for my story.

Pear Bran Muffins Topped with Orange Zest | Magnolia Days

Several years ago I knew something was off. They say high blood pressure is a silent killer because it doesn’t have obvious signs. I could feel it. I took a reading and my BP was high. So I researched on what to do. It starts with heart healthy eating and exercise. I went all out. My salt intake was reduced to a bare minimum. I checked sodium levels on labels, cooked according to the suggested guidelines, and bumped up my exercise routine. What was the result after several months? My blood pressure went up. Yep, exactly the opposite of what should happen.

Pear Bran Muffins Topped with Orange Zest | Magnolia Days

The next step was a visit to the doctor. Something had to be done. My pressure was so high they almost didn’t let me leave the office. After a lengthy conversation with my doctor, he said my condition was hereditary. The only thing left was to start taking medication. It worked beautifully. My pressure is in normal range now. I do have to admit though that I’d rather eat healthy food like Pear Bran Muffins instead of taking a daily pill. Oh and please do not let my story discourage you from eating heart healthy meals. I’m in a small minority.

Pear Bran Muffins Topped with Orange Zest | Magnolia Days

How are the Pear Bran Muffins? Healthy and tasty too. They are made with cholesterol lowering wheat bran, whole wheat flour, and olive oil. Applesauce and pear brings sweetness and fruitiness to the mix. Healthy spices of cinnamon and ginger gives them warm and comforting flavors. Fiber will keep you satisfied for hours. There’s even a touch of citrus with orange zest sprinkled on top. Enjoy the muffins with a glass of juice and you have a lasting vitamin packed breakfast.

Pear Bran Muffins | Magnolia Days

Are you on a heart healthy plan or wanting to start? Scroll down to find lots of recipes by Sunday Supper contributors. We have you covered from morning to night. Eating healthy no longer means food that tastes like cardboard. Keep your heart strong and enjoy your meals one healthy and delicious bite at a time. Special thanks to Lori at Foxes Love Lemons and Ethel of eating in instead for hosting this week’s event. For another heart healthy recipe I’ve shared before, take a look at Farro and Fruit Salad.

Pear Bran Muffins | Magnolia Days
4 from 5 votes
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Pear Bran Muffins

Start your day with these delicious and healthy pear bran muffins filled with pears, spices, and topped with orange zest.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 10 muffins
Author Renee

Ingredients

For the topping:

  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest

For the muffins:

  • 1 cup wheat bran
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1/2 medium pear peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces

Instructions

For the topping:

  1. Stir together turbinado sugar and orange zest in a small bowl.

For the muffins:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with 10 paper liners (leaving 2 muffin cups empty).
  2. Whisk together wheat bran, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk together buttermilk, applesauce, oil, and egg in a medium bowl.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined and dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in pear pieces.
  5. Divide batter among the 10 lined muffin cups. Sprinkle orange-sugar topping on top of each muffin.
  6. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer muffins to a wire rack and cool completely.

Recipe Notes

Start your day in a delicious and healthy way with these Pear Bran Muffins. They are filled with pears, spices, and topped with orange zest.

Recipe adapted from Woman’s Day magazine February 2014 edition.

Are you looking for heart healthy recipes? Take a look at these by Sunday Supper contributors:

Better for you breakfasts:

  • Apple Pie Oatmeal by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
  • Create-Your-Own Overnight Oatmeal by Rhubarb and Honey
  • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Scones by Brunch with Joy
  • Orange-Mango Smoothie with Lime & Ginger by The Wimpy Vegetarian
  • Pear Bran Muffins by Magnolia Days
  • Stovetop Fruit & Honey Granola by What Smells So Good?

Jump start your health with these appetizers and snacks:

  • Almond Crusted Chicken Nuggets by Momma’s Meals
  • Chipotle Black Bean Dip by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
  • Lemon Aioli with Spring Vegetables by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
  • Mala Baked Tofu Bites by Palatable Pastime
  • Parmesan Pistachio Kale Chips by The Texan New Yorker

Soups that’ll win your heart:

  • Asian Soba Noodle Broth Bowl by Hip Foodie Mom
  • Kale, Spinach, and Bean Soup by Ruffles & Truffles
  • Mushroom Quinoa Soup by Pies and Plots
  • Quinoa Chickpea Soup with Roasted Garlic & Veggies by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
  • Turkey and Black-Eyed Peas Soup by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Veggies, Sides, & Salads your heart will thank you for:

  • Collard Greens with Cumin and Paprika by Nik Snacks
  • Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad by Casa de Crews
  • Kale Roasted Beet Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing by Noshing with the Nolands
  • Lightened-Up Creamed Spinach au Gratin by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  • Roasted Teriyaki Green Beans and Mushrooms by NeighborFood
  • Salmon Salad Niçoise by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
  • Seasoned Spinach & Bok Choy by Nosh My Way
  • Spinach Berry Salad by Country Girl in the Village
  • Sweet & Smokey Cauliflower Salad by Take a Bite Out of Boca
  • Winter Citrus Salad with Avocado-Basil Dressing by Foxes Love Lemons

Healthy is the center of attention in these main courses:

  • Baked Eggplant Parmesan by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
  • Celeriac Noodles with Mushroom Ragu by The Joyful Foodie
  • Gluten Free Roasted Chicken and Kale by Gluten Free Crumbley
  • Heart Healthy Salmon Bento by The Ninja Baker
  • Lemony Grilled Chicken by Peaceful Cooking
  • Moroccan Salmon Tagine by Curious Cuisiniere
  • Olive Oil-Poached Salmon with Pickled Cherry Salsa by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
  • One Pot Mexican Quinoa by Having Fun Saving
  • Oven Baked Tilapia Tacos by Sew You Think You Can Cook
  • Piperies Yemistes me Pligouri – Bulgur Stuffed Peppers by Food Lust People Love
  • Salmon with Mango Salsa by Cooking Chat
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Quinoa Bake by Food Done Light
  • Vegetable and Ginger Congee by eating in instead
  • Vegetarian Cuban-Style Black Beans & Rice by MealDiva
  • White Bean, Corn, Tomato and Rice Skillet by Family Foodie

Staying healthy doesn’t mean giving up desserts!

  • Baked Figs with Vanilla and Honey by Happy Baking Days
  • Caramelized Pear Tart by PancakeWarriors
  • Cherry-Blueberry Trifles by The Life and Loves of Grumpy’s Honeybunch

We heart wine.

  • Wine Pairing Recommendations for Heart Healthy #SundaySupper by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

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Filed Under: Breads Tagged With: bran, muffins, pear, recipe

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Comments

  1. Ethel @eatingininstead says

    February 15, 2015 at 5:39 am

    I love pear in my muffins and these looks so moist and delicious!

    Reply
  2. Shelby says

    February 15, 2015 at 6:46 am

    The muffins sound (and look!) delicious. Grumpy would love them I know as he is a very big fan of pears. I’m glad you got your blood pressure taken care of! I am glad there are a lot of foods that can be ingredients out there that are heart healthy and tasty to go along with it!

    Reply
  3. David @ CookingChat says

    February 15, 2015 at 6:49 am

    These look like a great start to the day!

    Reply
  4. Stacy says

    February 15, 2015 at 6:58 am

    Lovely, lovely muffins, Renee. You know how I have a weakness for baking muffins. I’m so glad that you got to the doctor in time and nothing dastardly happened to you. Isn’t modern medicine a marvel?

    Reply
  5. Nichole says

    February 15, 2015 at 8:31 am

    Oh boo. You worked so hard, and couldn’t control it on your own. I know you’re on meds, but I am sure eating yummy, healthy dishes like this one do help!

    Reply
  6. Liz says

    February 15, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Oh, Renee, your muffins are calling my name. Baking with pears is only second to apples—and we DO love bran muffins at our house. What a terrific idea!!

    Reply
  7. Katie says

    February 15, 2015 at 9:45 am

    How frustrating to be taking action to lower your bp and not having the hard work pay off! Well, even if they don’t control your bp, I would totally be taking advantage of these muffins…LOVE the components!

    Reply
  8. Tammi @Momma's Meals says

    February 15, 2015 at 9:51 am

    Oh man…..I think my husband is headed down the same road Renee, he’s tried everything, and though everything he’s doing is helping, it may not be enough. Nothing wrong with still eating healthy and getting that exercise in though! I’m putting these muffins on the must list for all of us!

    Reply
  9. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    February 15, 2015 at 10:01 am

    Renee, Glad your blood pressure is normal now! I was on the verge of having high blood pressure when I lived in LA because of all the stress from my advertising job . . eventually I quit to stay at home with the kids, which ended up helping me more than them! love these muffins! I recently made flaxseed muffins . . I really love healthy muffins because you still feel like you’re eating a treat!

    Reply
  10. Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says

    February 15, 2015 at 11:02 am

    I can’t wait to make this muffin! I love the bran, but mostly the apple and pear. Mmmmm

    Reply
  11. Laura Dembowski says

    February 15, 2015 at 11:18 am

    My dad also has high blood pressure due to heredity and takes a pill. It’s a bummer to take pills, but sometimes I guess you have to do what you have to do.

    Your muffins look wonderful!

    Reply
  12. Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says

    February 15, 2015 at 11:21 am

    These look absolutely delicious! I’ll be getting pears this week!

    Reply
  13. MealDiva says

    February 15, 2015 at 11:35 am

    What a perfect breakfast muffin!

    Reply
  14. Courtney @ NeighborFood says

    February 15, 2015 at 11:37 am

    These sound fabulous! I know my tastebuds and my heart would love to wake up to these muffins!

    Reply
  15. Marlene @Nosh My Way says

    February 15, 2015 at 11:41 am

    It;s interesting really that if you listen to your gut feelings it’s almost always accurate. Those pear bran muffins look so delicious. And I am glad you are taking the right measures to stay healthy.

    Reply
  16. Sue Lau says

    February 15, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    That little bit of orange zest on top of the muffins really has me sold!

    Reply
  17. Tara says

    February 15, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    5 stars
    I love the pears mixed in with all these spices. Funny I bought a bunch of pears not that long to bake with but they were all eaten before that happened. We love pears here!

    Reply
  18. Tracy says

    February 15, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    4 stars
    Those looks absolutely delicious! I love anything Peach 🙂

    Reply
  19. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    February 15, 2015 at 12:37 pm

    Oh pears are where it’s at right now 🙂 I love adding ginger to my pear muffins, it’s a surprise every time you find a little nugget! These look great, pinning!

    Reply
  20. Constance Smith says

    February 15, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    5 stars
    These look delicious Renee!! I need one for with my coffee 🙂

    Reply
  21. Shannon {Cozy Country Living} says

    February 15, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    Yum! These look delicious!

    Reply
  22. The Ninja Baker says

    February 15, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    Thank God for modern medicine, Renee. Glad to read your bp is all right. As for your pear bran muffins, they do look sensational…They look as if they might even effect a miracle cure =)

    Reply
  23. Kimberly says

    February 15, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    I love healthy muffins … such as great way to start the day. And I love the sound of this one … especially the topping! I can just imagine that burst of orange as you take the first bite!

    Reply
  24. Shaina says

    February 15, 2015 at 5:09 pm

    Your muffins sounds delicious, I love that you added pear. Yum!

    Reply
  25. Cindys Recipes and Writings says

    February 15, 2015 at 7:55 pm

    I love the idea of pear, what a nice change from apple!

    Reply
  26. Caroline @ Shrinking Single says

    February 15, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    These look delicious and healthy. I wonder why pears don’t make it in to muffins more often. They are just as lovely as apples.

    Reply
  27. Linda | Brunch with joy says

    February 15, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    Renee, I could totally relate to you because I’m having the same issue (sorta)…still being treated though since the doctor can’t find out why. But these pear bran muffins bring a big smile and sure enough makes a perfect treat for me.

    Reply
  28. Joy | The Joyful Foodie says

    February 16, 2015 at 2:53 am

    The topping on these looks divine! I can practically smell the orange through my screen.

    Reply
  29. Anita at Hungry Couple says

    February 16, 2015 at 8:02 am

    Healthy, shelthy, I love pear anything! But I’m glad you got help and are under treatment. I have a friend with the same hereditary condition so I understand. Take care of yourself…and keep baking!

    Reply
  30. Sarah says

    February 16, 2015 at 9:49 am

    I love bran muffins, and pears! This would be a shoo in for sure

    Reply
  31. Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says

    February 17, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    Thank you for sharing your story – glad you figured out the problem. These muffins look incredible. I love baking with applesauce and there’s zero guilt having this frosting-less cupcake for breakfast! 😉

    Reply
  32. Katherine G says

    February 17, 2015 at 9:08 pm

    These muffins look so delicious! I’m going to have to try these.

    Reply
  33. The Wimpy Vegetarian says

    February 21, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    These look delicious! I know I should eat more wheat bran, and this is a great way to do it.

    Reply

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