Vanilla-Pear Muffins

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Tbs. sugar
• 2 Tbs. chopped walnuts, ground (see note above)
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup canola oil or walnut oil
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 4 or 5 firm, ripe pears, 2 lb. total, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped