During challenging times, we frequently seek out comforting and familiar activities that bring us solace and tranquility. This might involve listening to music, taking a sunset stroll along the beach, engaging in reading, meditating, or praying. For me, cooking serves as my refuge; it allows me to be creative, nurturing, and productive simultaneously. Around the globe, many individuals are confronted with difficulties – be it due to illness, isolation, exhaustion, fear, financial strain, or the loss of their pre-pandemic normalcy. Life has changed drastically due to the virus, self-isolation, and ‘social distancing’; with lockdowns making it hard to provide enough food, money, or medical support for all those in need.
I am largely shielded from the worst adversities individuals face. Besides adapting to remote work, missing my friends and family, skipping weddings, my husband having to change out of his scrubs as soon as he arrives home, and the occasional shortage of toilet paper, my life continues almost normally. Still, it feels profoundly disconcerting and exhausting to live through this uncertainty – not knowing what lies ahead, whether more people will fall ill or perish, and when this period will come to a close.
I wish for you to discover something that offers you comfort and peace, and if you find joy in cooking like I do, this recipe could be a simple yet delightful creation for you and your loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups self-raising 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
Set the oven to preheat at 180 C. Prepare a 12-hole muffin tin by lining it with paper cases. To prepare the mashed pumpkin, roast approximately 500 g of Kent pumpkin (skin left on) at 180 C, drizzling it with a bit of canola oil for around 30 minutes or until tender. Once it is cool enough, scoop the flesh from the skin and mash it well with a fork. For the muffins, sift the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar into a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the pecans thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, milk, mashed pumpkin, maple syrup, vanilla, and eggs. Quickly combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Avoid overmixing, as it may toughen the muffins. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin tin and top with pepitas. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the muffins spring back upon a gentle touch. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, alone or with butter and a drizzle of honey.
**Pepita, Pecan, and Pumpkin Muffins: A Soothing Recipe for Difficult Times**
As we navigate through periods of insecurity and anxiety, many find great comfort in the art of baking. The simple activity of measuring, mixing, and transforming ingredients into something scrumptious can be both a meditative experience and a fulfilling endeavor. One such recipe that embodies warmth and happiness is Pepita, Pecan, and Pumpkin Muffins. These delightful muffins blend the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the buttery richness of pecans and the satisfying crunch of pepitas, resulting in a harmonious array of tastes and textures.
**Ingredients that Provide Comfort**
– **Pumpkin:** Celebrated for its vibrant hue and gentle sweetness, pumpkin is not just a fall staple but also a rich source of nutrients. Packed with vitamins A and C, it bolsters immune function, which is crucial during trying times.
– **Pecans:** These creamy nuts deliver a rich flavor and crunchy texture to the muffins. Additionally, pecans are an excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, enhancing heart health and overall vitality.
– **Pepitas:** Known as pumpkin seeds, pepitas are abundant in protein, magnesium, and zinc. They contribute a pleasing texture to the muffins while providing vital nutrients to support both energy levels and mood.
**The Instructions**
*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
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup pepitas
*Instructions:*
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In another large bowl, blend melted butter and sugar until creamy. Incorporate the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
4. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually introduce the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Gently fold in the chopped pecans and pepitas.
7. Evenly distribute the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of a muffin.
9. Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**A Slice of Serenity**
These Pepita, Pecan, and Pumpkin Muffins are not merely a treat; they represent moments of serenity and comfort amidst a chaotic world. The act of baking them serves as a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate the small joys in life. Whether enjoyed alongside a morning cup of tea or as a delightful afternoon snack, these muffins provide a delicious escape and a reminder that comfort can be discovered in the simplest of endeavors.