Caramelized Pear and Cream Cheese Biscuits

Caramelized Pear and Cream Cheese Biscuits (low sugar and low fat)

• • 1 pear, peeled, cored and diced

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, divided

  • 1 teaspoon, plus a pinch, cinnamon

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 6 tablespoons non-fat cream cheese, cut into small pieces

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla, or vanilla bean paste

  • 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • 1/4 cup uncooked oats

  • 1/4 cup sliced raw almonds

In a small saucepan, cook the diced pear, 1 tablespoon brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the pears are soft and most of the liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool for 20 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Scatter the cream cheese over the flour and use a pastry cutter to cut the cream cheese into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla. Slowly add the egg and vanilla to the flour mixture, tossing with a fork to moisten. Add the pears and toss to combine.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the yogurt and water. Pour over the flour mixture, then stir with a wooden spoon just until moistened and the dough can be gathered into a ball.

Cover bowl with a damp paper towel and set aside for 15 minutes, or until ready to use. Preheat the oven to 450 F and spray a muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Loosely mound the dough in 6 muffin cups. Sprinkle each with the oats and almonds and gently press into the dough. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in a muffin comes out clean. Serve warm with your favorite jam.