2 Tbsp pear puree (directions follow) 2 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp almond extract 1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp artificial sugar substitute (or 2 Tbsp sucanat) 2 Tbsp cornstarch

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat 10 muffin wells with non-stick spray. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, stir together remaining ingredients. The cornstarch will tend to stick together as a lump; make certain it is completely dissolved in the liquid. Pour dry ingredients in to wet and stir just long enough to mix completely. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin wells (the wells will be about half-full). Bake muffins for 25-30 minutes, until tops are lightly golden. Allow the muffins to rest a few minutes before removing to a cooling rack. Serve, or cool completely and store in an air-tight container up to two days.

Pear puree: Puree is easily made by blending, until smooth, half of the fruit in a 15 oz. Container of canned pears (packed in fruit juice is preferrable) . "Baby food" pureed pears are an even faster alternative.

substituted for 1/4 of the soymilk and the sweetener omitted.

Christina Hulbe <chulbe@magnus. Acs. Ohio-state. Edu>