I know a lot of pumpkin haters who groan about how pumpkin pervades the market every fall. Consider, though, that the American native is a nutritional heavyweight. This variation of squash originated in Mexico and is very high in dietary Fiber, vitamins A and C, riboflavin, potassium, copper, and manganese. Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
I think God made pumpkin a fall fruit so that our bodies would be ready to fight the cold of winter.
Here's a recipe for muffins that have pumpkin and diced apple in them, and are crowned with a crunchy streusel topping that would make any muffin special. Try it on blueberry muffins or just plain muffins to make them not-so-plain afterall.
I'm including a second pumpkin muffin recipe in my upcoming Manic Muffin Mix Cookbook, which I'll be giving to all the members of my Friends, Fan and Family elist in December. Want in? Sign up to receive my emails here.
Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins
For streusel topping, mix in a small bowl
1/4 cup sugar
2 TBS flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Use a fork to blend in, mixing until crumbly:
1 1/2 TBS Butter
Set aside streusel topping.
For muffins, mix thoroughly in a large bowl
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup salad oil
1 cup water
1 cup solid pack pumpkin
1/2 TBS pumpkin pie spice
Add
1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples
Add and stir in until no dry areas remain
2 3/4 cup muffin mix
Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin cups, filling 3/4 full.
Sprinkle streusel topping over batter
Bake in a preheated 350° oven 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.