Pumpkin Muffins (formerly known as Benjamin Muffins)

Happy Autumn! In honor of the new season, I’m posting some very delicious, very Autumn muffins. These muffins were first made in honor of my cat, Benjamin. He had to be put down in August 2009 because he was very sick, and the medical treatment was more than we were able to afford. Before he got really sick, the vet suggested that I add pumpkin to his food to give him extra fiber. I had just started doing that before he died a couple of days later. Since I had a bunch of pumpkin in the fridge afterward that I didn’t know what to do with, and because I needed a task to bring closure, I decided to make pumpkin muffins and name them after Benjamin. When Benjamin was alive, he used to flop down on the kitchen floor and hang out with me while I baked. He was good company. 

These muffins are super moist because the pumpkin adds so much to them. There’s no need to use butter when you have a main ingredient like pumpkin. You could also substitute sweet potato. The muffins are very high in fiber, not only from the pumpkin, but also from the cranberries, whole wheat flour, oats, and nuts. I was pleasantly surprised with the combination of flavors. Hope you enjoy them. And do take a moment to think of Benjamin while you make them. 

These muffins aren’t very sweet, which I like. The cranberries bring more sweetness. But if you like a sweeter muffin, increase the sugar to half a cup. 

2 cups whole wheat or spelt flour (use sprouted flour if possible)

1 cup oats (use sprouted if possible)

1/4 cup coconut or brown sugar (increase to 1/2 cup for a sweeter muffin)

2 teaspoons pumpkin spice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup pureed pumpkin

1/2 cup applesauce

2 eggs

1/4 melted butter or coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup pecans or walnuts (optional)

1 cup cranberries (optional)

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin pan – I use a paper towel and coconut oil. You can also use the inside of a butter wrapper.

2) Mix together dry ingredients in large bowl. Make a well in the center; set aside. 

3) Mix together wet ingredients, including pumpkin. Add to dry ingredients and stir just until combined. 

 4) Fold in pecans and cranberries. Divide between twelve muffin cups. The cups will be very full. 

5) Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until fork comes out clean.