Pumpkin Muffins I

Pumpkin Muffins I Recipe - Native American Cuisine

Region / culture: Native America | Servings: 12

Introduction

Pumpkin muffins are a delicious and seasonal treat that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Packed with warm spices and sweet pumpkin flavor, these muffins are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Pumpkin muffins have been a popular fall treat for many years. The combination of pumpkin and spices like cinnamon and cloves has been a favorite flavor profile for baked goods during the autumn season. These muffins are a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a portable and easy to eat form.

Ingredients

1 cup of raisins
0.5 cup of unsweetened orange juice
0.5 cup of egg substitute
1 cup of canned pumpkin
0.5 cup of sugar
0.5 tsp of ground cloves
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp of salt
0.33 cup of canola oil
1 cup of all-purpose flour
0.75 cup of whole wheat flour
1.5 tsp of baking powder
0.5 tsp of baking soda

How to prepare

Soak raisins in orange juice for 5 minutes.
Do not drain.
In a large mixing bowl, stir in pumpkin, egg substitute, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.
Add oil and mix well.
Stir together flours, baking powder, and baking soda.
Add the flour mixture and the raisin-orange juice mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir to combine.
Fill paper-lined muffin cups about 0.67 full.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for approximately 25 minutes.
Remove from muffin tins and cool on a wire rack.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a different twist on the recipe.
Use a different type of oil, such as coconut oil or melted butter, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the raisins in orange juice before adding them to the batter. This will help plump them up and add a burst of citrus flavor to the muffins.

- Be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins. Mix until just combined for the best texture.

- To prevent the muffins from sticking to the paper liners, you can lightly grease them with cooking spray before filling them with batter.

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin muffins are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the muffins to ensure even cooking.

- Use a toothpick to test for doneness - if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready to be removed from the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have canned pumpkin, you can use fresh pumpkin puree or butternut squash puree as a substitute.

- You can use regular orange juice instead of unsweetened orange juice if that's what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

These pumpkin muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these pumpkin muffins on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These pumpkin muffins pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy fall breakfast or snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pumpkin muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a low oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these pumpkin muffins contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these pumpkin muffins contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these pumpkin muffins contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these pumpkin muffins contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. These muffins also contain iron and calcium from the flours used in the recipe.

Alergens

These pumpkin muffins contain wheat and eggs. They can be made dairy-free by using a dairy-free egg substitute.

Summary

These pumpkin muffins are a delicious and nutritious treat that are perfect for fall. They are relatively low in calories and fat, making them a great option for a snack or breakfast.

Summary

These pumpkin muffins are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for fall. Packed with warm spices and sweet pumpkin flavor, they are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert - the possibilities are endless!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning shades of red and gold, and the air was filled with the comforting scent of pumpkin and spices. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who had invited me over for tea and a chat. Little did I know that this simple visit would lead me to discovering one of my all-time favorite recipes.

As I stepped into Margaret's cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked goods. My mouth watered at the sight of a platter of golden-brown pumpkin muffins sitting on the table, steam rising gently from their tops. Margaret smiled and handed me a muffin, urging me to try one. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a place of pure bliss.

The muffin was moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of spice that lingered on my tongue. I couldn't help but ask Margaret for the recipe, eager to recreate this delicious treat in my own kitchen. She laughed and told me that it was a family recipe passed down through generations, and she was happy to share it with me.

Margaret handed me a worn and stained index card with the recipe written in her neat cursive handwriting. It was a simple recipe, calling for basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and of course, pumpkin puree. But it was the combination of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – that truly made these muffins special. Margaret explained that the key was to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before gently folding them together, being careful not to overmix the batter.

I thanked Margaret profusely for sharing her family recipe with me, promising to make a batch of pumpkin muffins for my own family. She nodded with a knowing smile, happy to pass on a piece of her culinary heritage to a dear friend.

Back in my own kitchen, I gathered the ingredients to make the pumpkin muffins. As I measured out the flour and spices, I couldn't help but think of Margaret and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking. I carefully followed the recipe, mixing the wet and dry ingredients together with a gentle hand, just as Margaret had instructed.

As the muffins baked in the oven, my kitchen filled with the scent of pumpkin and spices, evoking memories of cozy autumn days spent with loved ones. When the timer dinged, I eagerly pulled the muffins out of the oven, their tops golden and slightly cracked. I couldn't wait to bite into one and taste the fruits of my labor.

I took a muffin from the tray, its warmth seeping into my fingers. As I brought it to my lips and took a bite, I was immediately transported back to Margaret's kitchen, savoring that first taste of her delicious pumpkin muffins. The flavors were just as I remembered – sweet, spicy, and utterly comforting.

I packed up a few muffins to share with Margaret, wanting to express my gratitude for introducing me to this wonderful recipe. When I arrived at her doorstep, she welcomed me with open arms and a knowing smile. We sat at her kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter over a plate of pumpkin muffins, our friendship deepening with each bite.

From that day on, pumpkin muffins became a staple in my home, a beloved recipe that I would pass down to future generations. Whenever I bake a batch, I think of Margaret and the special bond we forged over a simple recipe. Cooking truly is a universal language that brings people together, creating lasting memories and cherished traditions.

And so, the story of how I learned to make pumpkin muffins is one that I hold dear to my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and to the people we love. I am forever grateful to Margaret for sharing her family recipe with me, and for opening my eyes to the simple joys of baking.