Tuesday, October 7, 2008

PUMPKIN STREUSEL MUFFINS - HEALTHY OR NOT, YOU CHOOSE!


These are my favorite fall muffins. The regular recipe from Liza was so good, but I could never stop at 1 - 2 - okay I could never stop. I came up with this healthier version so I don't feel like I'm missing out! I added the streusel topping to make them even more irresistible!
If you want to learn how to make your own pumpkin puree, go here http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/
She makes it look so easy!

REGULAR RECIPE~
Preheat oven to 400 degrees

In medium bowl whisk together:

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup oil

In large bowl whisk together:

1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt

Add wet mixture to dry until just combined. Fold in 1 cup pumpkin. Grease muffin tins or use papers.

Streusel topping:

In small bowl combine:
1/4 heaping cup flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 1/2 Tb. melted butter
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
2 Tb. pecans, chopped -optional

mix all together with a fork until nice and crumbly.
Line muffin pan with papers. Fill with muffin batter and sprinkle a little streusel on each muffin. Bake for 16 - 20 min. - depending on your oven.
Makes 12 muffins

HEALTHIER VERSION~

In a medium bowl whisk together:

2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup applesauce

In a large bowl whisk together:

1 cup wheat flour - I always use white wheat when baking, red wheat doesn't do to well.
1/2 cup unbleached white flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp. salt

Follow the same instructions from above. Don't forget the 1 cup pumpkin and streusel topping.
Enjoy 1 - 2 or 3 without as much guilt!!