Spiced Pear Muffins

1 medium to large pear
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon baking soda (dissolved in 1/3 cup buttermilk)
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 beaten eggs

Peel and core pear and dice finely; add to lemon juice and set aside.

Combine dry ingredients in bowl and make a well in center.

In separate bowl combine remaining ingredients, including diced pear. Mix well and add to well made in flour mixture. Mix just enough to moisten all flour. Let rest 5 minutes.

Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes 325 degrees F.

Makes 20 muffins.