In challenging times, we frequently seek out familiar comforts that bring us solace and tranquility. This could involve listening to music, strolling along the beach at sunset, indulging in a good book, meditating, or praying. For me, cooking has always been a refuge; it allows me to be creative, nurturing, and helpful simultaneously. People worldwide are confronting difficulties – be it through illness, isolation, fatigue, fear, lack of income, or the loss of the normalcy that once existed. Before the pandemic, self-isolation, and ‘social distancing’; we faced lockdowns and a shortage of resources like money, food, and medical care for all who needed it.
Personally, I am shielded from the most severe challenges that many people face. Besides the necessity of working from home, being unable to see friends and family, missing celebrations, and my husband needing to leave his scrubs at the front door upon returning from work, along with occasional shortages of toilet paper, my life goes on quite normally. Yet, living in this uncertain and exhausting ambiance is deeply unsettling – not knowing what is to come, if more individuals will fall ill or perish, or when this period might conclude.
I sincerely hope you can discover something that offers you reassurance and tranquility, and if cooking is your passion, like it is mine, this recipe could be a straightforward and delightful dish you can prepare for yourself and those close to you.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup pepitas
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 eggs
Preheat the oven to 180 C. Prepare a 12-hole muffin tin by lining it with paper cases. To create the mashed pumpkin, roast approximately 500 g of Kent pumpkin (with skin intact) drizzled with a bit of canola oil at 180 C for about 30 minutes or until tender. Once cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh from the skin and mash it using a fork. For the muffins, sift the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the pecans and mix thoroughly. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, milk, mashed pumpkin, maple syrup, vanilla, and eggs. Quickly combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients; do not overmix, or the muffins may turn out tough. Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin and sprinkle pepitas on top. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes until the muffins spring back gently when touched. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, alone, or with butter and a drizzle of honey.
**Pumpkin, Pecan, and Pepita Muffins: A Heartwarming Delight for Difficult Times**
During times filled with uncertainty and pressure, the kitchen often transforms into a haven where simplicity and warmth can be discovered in the most basic ingredients. Among the variety of treats that can be made to comfort the spirit, Pumpkin, Pecan, and Pepita Muffins emerge as an appealing choice. These muffins not only provide a rich flavor and texture but also capture the spirit of autumn, a time frequently linked with contemplation and thankfulness.
**The Charisma of Pumpkin**
Pumpkin, a quintessential autumn element, takes center stage in these muffins. Packed with vitamins A and C, pumpkin is both nourishing and adds natural sweetness and moisture to baked items. Its earthy taste pairs wonderfully with spices commonly used in fall baking, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices not only enrich the flavor of the muffins, but they also fill the kitchen with a warm aroma that sparks feelings of comfort and coziness.
**The Crunch of Pecans**
Pecans contribute a delightful crunch and a buttery depth to the muffins. Recognized for their healthy fats and antioxidants, pecans are a nutritious enhancement that complements the pumpkin’s softness. Their slightly sweet and nutty essence amplifies the overall flavor profile of the muffins, ensuring that each bite is fulfilling.
**The Nutty Twist of Pepitas**
Pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, serve as another crucial element that enhances both texture and nutrition. These petite green seeds are rich in protein, beneficial fats, and vital minerals such as magnesium and zinc. Sprinkled atop the muffins prior to baking, pepitas turn golden brown, providing a crunchy contrast to the muffin’s tender crumb.
**A Recipe for Comfort**
Creating Pumpkin, Pecan, and Pepita Muffins is an uncomplicated procedure that can become a calming endeavor in itself. The process of measuring, mixing, and baking can act as a meditative exercise, granting one the opportunity to focus on the moment and find peace in the production of something tangible and nourishing.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup pepitas
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Evenly portion the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Top each muffin with a sprinkle of pepitas.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**A Treat for the Soul**
Pumpkin, Pecan, and Pepita Muffins are not merely a delicious indulgence; they remind us of the simple pleasures available in daily life. Whether enjoyed alongside a morning coffee or as a midday snack, these muffins offer a comforting sense of normalcy during challenging times. As the world still faces uncertainties, taking a moment to relish the warmth and flavor of these homemade treats can provide a much-needed break and a taste of home.