VEGAN | WFPB | REFINED SUGAR-FREE | GLUTEN-FREE

We technically still have a bit of summer to enjoy, yet now that the kids are getting ready to go back to school I'm starting to crave autumn flavors. We have such an abundance of pears from our tree right now, too, so time to enjoy them! I'm starting to long for those delicious spices that are the stars until spring: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, mmmmm. Simply calling out these flavors makes me feel relaxed, cozy and good.

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RELAXED, COZY AND GOOD

That's how I'd like the kids to feel as they start a new school year. I want to pack them lunches that help create that vibe. So as I started thinking about what I might make for lunch that's easy on the eater (and the cook and lunch-packer), I came up with this recipe. Plus, they're gluten-free for those who are sensitive, delicious for everyone. (If needing gluten-free, make sure your oats package says "gluten-free" in case they've been processed with wheat). Make it on that first cooler day of late summer, and from then on.

QUICK AND EASY

I didn't want to have to spend too much time chopping and peeling the fruit - in fact, I like keeping the peel on as much as possible, both to save time and to utilize the nutrients. So the food processor became the go-to, processing the pears down to a puree and chopping the dates into small pieces with ease. I liked the idea of being able to continue the recipe in the food processor bowl, without having to transfer the puree. So the recipe was designed to be made in a food processor - quick and easy to make, quick and easy to clean up. If you have a standard-sized food processor, you're good to go. If yours is on the smaller side, transfer to a mixing bowl and use a mixer the good old-fashioned way. A powerful blender could also be used to puree the pears and break down the dates.

I love the smell of fresh-baked Pear Spice Muffins!

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ZEN POTHOLDER IN HEATHERED GRANITE

NEW in the handmade shop

Heathered granite on one side, denim blue on the other, with pale blue stitching. Made of sturdy organic cotton duck. Sure to be the hero of both kitchen and table.

LUNCH BOX FRIENDLY

SIice the muffins in half to add a favorite filling, like nut butter or jam. Or caramel sauce. Uh, yeah. Place it back in the wrapper and into a lunch container and you're off. Throw in a few other faves to make a full lunch, like raw veggies, some popcorn, and a handful of nuts or granola.

So easy to pack and easy to eat while on the go. Delicious and filling, it may become the next lunch box favorite! Double or triple the recipe and freeze extra to have on hand another week to make lunch packing that much easier.