Oatmeal Flax Pumpkin Muffins!

As promised, this weekend I set out to make pumpkin muffins! For day-to-day sweet treats I try to make healthier options, so I found a recipe for Oatmeal Flax Pumpkin Muffins online. Whenever I make a recipe for the first time I try to stick to the original recipe before deciding on what to change about it. The exception to this is when there is something I'm certain I'd like to do differently. For today's recipe I changed a few things around.

View my version of this recipe

Here are some helpful baking TIPS that I've learned over the years, and applied when baking these muffins:

1. Get all ingredients out before starting. It's a good way to double check that you have everything before starting.

2. Measure all dry ingredients first so that you don’t have to use two of every measuring spoon/cup. 

3. In one bowl, thoroughly mix all dry, powdery ingredients (ie. not nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, etc.) with a whisk. In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix all wet ingredients with a mixer. Then gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix while mixing with a mixer. The purpose of this is to keep the ingredients and texture consistent. Usually any nuts/choc. chips/raisins, etc. get stirred in with a spoon afterwards. Be sure to gradually add them instead of dumping them in. It’s all about keeping the batter consistent. Note: Sugars usually count as wet ingredients unless specifically mentioned otherwise.

4. Applessauce, flax, and chia can be healthy substitutes for various ingredients.

The muffins turned out well! They are SUPER moist and you can simultaneously taste the pumpkin, oatmeal, and applesauce! They are not very sweet, so if you are in the mood for a pumpkin muffin that resembles more of a cupcake, these aren't what you're looking for. These taste more like a pumpkin-flavored bran muffin. If you're looking for a "healthier" version of a pumpkin muffin, these are a great choice! They're pumpkiny, moist, and have a great texture!

Enjoy!

Up and coming:

- Next weekend: Blueberry Coffee Cake!!!

- I'm still experimenting with chia and trying to find a post-worthy recipe. I've recently received one from my sister that I'm going to try out within the next few weeks. I'll post about it once I've tried it.

- Later this week: Biscuits and Gravy! I actually made them this morning, but I don't want to be obnoxious with two posts in one day. I'll wait until mid-week to post it. Then you can make them on Saturday morning! Start counting down the days because you and your family are going to LOVE them!!!

Made this morning!

- Further down the road: Great hang-out recipe/activity--Make your own pizzas! I'll post instructions, photos, and TIPS for this in a few weeks. Keep checking back in!

This is an actual pizza I've made! YUM!