Sunday, October 01, 2006

The Scent of Autumn!

"Not Entirely Homemade But Close" Spicy Pumpkin Muffins!

Lately I've been trying to clear out my freezer, pantry cabinet and cabinets. While trying to take an inventory of what was in my cabinets, I came across a box of pumpkin loaf mix. I immediately imagined how wonderful it would make the house smell while baking. I was sold.

There was a recipe on the side of the box for pumpkin ginger cookies that sounded really good. The recipe called for cyrstalized ginger and raisins, yummy! I was tempted to make them, but I really wanted muffins, so I compromised. I made the pumpkin muffins, added in the crystalized ginger and made a few other adaptations to make them a little more homemade.

First off, I reduced the fat by replacing most of the oil with unsweetened apple sauce and cut one of the egg yolks out. Secondly, I used fat-free buttermilk in place of regular milk. It gives the crumb a better texture and flavor. And as I mentioned, added crystalized ginger. I only added a 1/8 cup because I wasn't sure how much of a spicy "bite" it would give to the flavor. I think it was just right, but 1/4 cup would be fine as well.

Spicy Pumpkin Muffins
Makes 12 Muffins

1 box of Pillsbury Pumpkin Loaf Mix
1 egg and 1 egg white
1 T oil
1/8 - 1/4 cup chopped crystalized ginger
1 cup buttermilk

Follow the directions on the box. I baked mine for about 18 minutes at 375 degrees in a dark coated muffin pan.

These muffins turned out really tasty and were a pleasant change to my usual line-up of blueberry, cranberry-orange and corn. (Not that there's anything wrong with them!)

What recipe reminds you most of Autumn?

9 comments:

wheresmymind said...

I've gotta get some crystalized ginger one of these days...all the cool kids are using it

Randi said...

I've made those pumpkin ginger cookies and they are really good. Thanks for reminding me about them.

Annie said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Annie said...

wwm, it is goood!

Randi, Oh good, I'm glad to know there good 'cause I'm going to buy another box and make them.

Brilynn said...

crystalized ginger is a great addition, i love the stuff

The Cookbook Junkie said...

These look really good. I've been in the mood for pumpkin bars.

Sexy Lexi said...

Mmmm, pumpkin spice! I love adding a little to the coffee grinds in the morning.

On a different note...I love some good chili in the fall.

Crystal said...

I think once Starbucks comes out with their Pumpkin Spice latte, it's fall. That's really one of the only times I get Starbucks...oh yeah and for their egg nog latte.

Pumpkin carving also makes it feel like fall.

-Crystal

Heather said...

Sounds like my kind of recipe! I can't wait to make my pumpkin bread.
I think actually the recipe I make that reminds me most of Autumn is my pumpkin bread recipe.