Turkey Breast with Balsamic Pears and Pumpkin Apple Muffins with Flaxseed

We purchase a lot of fresh fruit to snack on, but sometimes it ripens faster than we can consume it.  Turkey Breast with Balsamic Pears uses balsamic vinegar to season pears and onion. 

Looking for a morning commute breakfast or a snack for baby?  Pumpkin Apple Muffins with Flaxseed can do both.  Made with flaxseed, wheat bran and whole wheat flour, not only are they deliciuos, but they are the perfect healthful food.  If you are looking for a sweeter treat, frost the muffins with cream cheese frosting!

Turkey Breast with Balsamic Pears

Serves 4

1 pound turkey breast, sliced to 1-inch thickness

Coarse salt and ground pepper

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 yellow onion, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

3/4 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons grainy mustard

2 Bosc pears, cored and sliced into thin wedges

Season turkey with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high. Add turkey and cook until cooked through, about 4 minutes per side, flipping once. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Add 2 tablespoons butter to skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add onion, garlic, and rosemary; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion begin to soften, 6 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together broth, vinegar, and mustard. Add pears to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, 4 minutes. Add broth mixture; cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until pears are tender and liquid is almost evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Return turkey to skillet, along with any juices. Toss to combine, and serve.

Pumpkin Apple Muffins with Flaxseed

Makes 18 muffins

1/2 cup wheat bran
3/4 cup milled flaxseeds

1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup brown

3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 medium eggs, beaten
2 large apples, cored and finely chopped (leave the skins on for added fiber)
1 cup canned pumpkin

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the wheat bran, flaxseeds, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices in a large bowl and mix well.  Stir in the rest of the ingredients.

Line 18 holes in your muffin pans with paper cases and spoon in the mixture.

Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.