Friday, 27 September 2013

Pumpkin Muffins


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I don't know what it is about autumn and pumpkin, but the two things just go together like peas and carrots!  Last weekend I was making pumpkin butter . . . this weekend it's these tasty moist muffins!  

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This recipe is the cumulation of years and years of trial and testing.  I wanted a muffin that was moist and spicy.  This recipe produces a muffin that is just that.   Tender, moreishly moist with just enough spice to make you want to have another one.  

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They're good keepers too.  They'll keep in a tightly closed tin for about 4 to 5 days.  They also freeze very well.  You can also double the recipe, which I normally do because there are two cups of pumpkin in one tin and if I am going to open a tin of pumpkin, I might as well use it all at once!

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To freeze, just place them onto a baking tray and freeze in the freezer, then pop them into a zip lock baggie, so that you can take them out as you want them.  About 35 to 40 seconds in the microwave and they are good to go.

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They make a great coffee break, or elevensies treat.  A fabulous after school snack.  A great addition to the packed lunch (especially if you split them in half and spread with some creamed cheese!).  And . . . they are the perfect breakfast on the go!

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They're quite versatile as well.  Try adding some sultana raisins or dried cranberries, white or milk chocolate chips, chopped nuts.  All go very well!   I do hope you'll give them a go.  I just know you will love them as much as we do!  Happy Autumn y'all!! 

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*Pumpkin Muffins*
Makes 12    
These are simple muffins, but don't let the simplicity of them fool you into thinking they aren't special.  They are moist and spicy and you will have a hard time eating just one! 

180g tinned pumpkin (or fresh cooked pureed pumpkin.
If using fresh you will need to let it drain overnight before measuring.  1 cup)
2 large free range eggs, beaten
125ml of water (1/2 cup)
125ml canola or sunflower oil (1/2 cup)
245g of plain flour (2 3/4 cup)
1/4 tsp salt
290g caster sugar (1 1/2 cups)
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4.  Butter a 12 cup muffin tin well, or line with papers.  Set aside.

Whisk the flour, salt, sugar and spices together in a bowl.  Whisk together the eggs, water and oil.  Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the wet all at once.   Mix together well, without overmixing. 

Spoon into the prepared muffin tins, filling them 3/4 full.  Bake for 30 minutes, until well risen and the tops spring back when lightly touched. 

Let sit in the tin for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.   Delicious!

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