Pumpkin Apple Muffins

I was slammed with a bad cold this week that set me back quite a few days.  The cold combined with the fact that it is still winter here (lots of snow) in Utah, left me craving comfort food like hot tea and muffins.  Here is my favorite muffin recipe, adapted from a Pumpkin Apple Streusel version.  I leave off the topping (too messy and extra work).  The muffins are rich enough without it.

Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Apple Muffins

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups Libby’s canned pumpkin (not pie mix)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped

Chocolate Chip Variation:

• Instead of apples use 1 cup chocolate chips

Low Fat Variation:

• Substitute 1/2 cup applesauce for the oil.

PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Grease or paper-line 24 muffin cups.

COMBINE flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Combine pumpkin, eggs and oil in medium bowl; mix well. Stir into flour mixture just until moistened. Stir in apples or chocolate chips. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling three-fourths full.

BAKE for 25-30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool slightly.

Easter Nest Treats

Every year my girls make easter nest treats filled with favorite egg shaped candies.  I’ve adapted this recipe from one I found  almost 2o years ago in a magazine.   The recipe is super easy using only one pan and takes about 20 minutes to make- they are yumtastic!  Here is the recipe:

Easter Nests

• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 4 cups chow mein noodles
• candy eggs (mini Cadbury eggs, M&Ms or jelly beans)

In heavy saucepan over med. heat melt butter and marshmallows until smooth.  Stir in peanut butter and chocolate chips until melted.  Remove from heat and stir in chow mein noodles.  Work on wax paper and form 18-24 mounds.  Dip fingers into cold water as you work to prevent the mixture from sticking and shape each mound into a nest.  Fill with 2 or 3 candies each.  Cool and store in airtight container if they last that long.