In a large pot (this will essentially be your mixing bowl), place dates, baking soda and water. Boil for about 10 minutes until the liquid will foam a bit and the dates will break down. Stir until a thick liquid is formed.
Remove the pot from the heat source and add the butter. Stir until fully dissolved.
Add the vanilla, sugar and egg. Whisk to incorporate.
Fold in the flour
This will yield about 2¼ Cups of batter
Pour the batter into each muffin cup and then add a few pieces of pear in the centre. Sprinkle with Turbinado sugar
Bake for 2 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean
These muffins are best served warm
Notes
This recipe yields 9 muffins
Recipe by Lovely Pantry at https://lovelypantry.com/2013/01/asian-pear-date-muffins-for-muffinmonday/