Cinnamon-Ginger Spiced Pear Muffins

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat eighteen 2 1/2-inch muffin cups with cooking spray. In a medium bowl combine the next eight ingredients (through nutmeg). Make a well in center of mixture.

In a small bowl combine the next five ingredients (through vanilla). Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened.

Peel pears. Cut 18 thin pear slices and brush with lemon juice. Chop all of the remaining pear and fold into batter. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Top with pear slices.

Bake on separate oven racks 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean, switching positions of pans halfway through baking. Immediately remove from cups; cool on wire racks. Dust with powdered sugar.