Just in time for Pumpkin Muffins :) Happy Fall Y'all!

Well hello there! It's been months since I last posted due to a very demanding school, life and work schedule! But after being messaged or even now approached in person about my lack of posting, I decided to post my most recent muffin recipe that I created for my 2 year old. She is addicted to these muffins. Seriously, I even have to limit her because if not she would eat a dozen a day!
I know I have posted a recipe similar on here for my banana muffins, but these are a bit different.  If you aren't aware of how crazy healthy that pumpkin is for you, here are a few facts! 

Low-Calorie While Helping Fill You Up-One half-cup of canned pumpkin has about 40 calories. 

Source of Healthy Fats-When using fresh pumpkin to cook, it's important to keep the seeds. They are a rich source of nutrients, including unsaturated fat, antioxidants, and fiber. Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of protein with nearly 12 grams per cup, along with other vitamins and minerals, especially zinc. They deliver almost half of the daily recommended intake of zinc. You can simply roast your pumpkin seeds in the oven with a little cooking spray, then toss them in your salads, mix them into your granola, or eat them alone for a snack.

High Vitamin A content-Vitamin A is essential for healthy, glowing skin, strong eyesight, and our immune system.

High in Inflammatory Reducing Beta-Cryptoxanthin- provides several health benefits, including a reduced risk in developing inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Pumpkin is ranked among foods with the highest levels of beta-cryptoxanthin.

Provides 500mg Of Potassium-Potassium is an essential mineral we need to keep our hearts and muscles working at their optimal levels. One cup of pumpkin delivers around 550 mg of potassium, making it one of the highest sources amongst fruits and vegetables (bananas bring in about 420 mg, and sweet potatoes bring in about 475 mg). Try adding pumpkin to your post-workout snack or meal for the extra potassium boost, which may aid in muscle and electrolyte recovery.

I use a can of PURE PUMPKIN PUREE, NOT PIE FILLING! Although we often think fresh produce is healthier than canned (and oftentimes, this is true), canned and fresh pumpkin can be used interchangeably in recipes, and deliver health benefits. I hope you enjoy eating some more pumpkin this fall.

Now for my recipe.. It's very simple.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of oat flour or wheat flour(all purpose)
• 1 can of pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 tsp. of baking soda
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup or raw honey
• 1/2 cup of unsalted, melted REAL butter
• 2 tbsp. of virgin coconut oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. of pure vanilla
• 2 tsp. of cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional) or
• 1/2 cup of 60% or higher chocolate chips

Method:

Set oven to 375 degrees.  I use no special method to mix ingredients.  I simply throw all ingredients into one bowl and mix until well blended.  I use an ice cream scooper to fill my muffin tins so each muffin turns out about the same size.  Bake for 18-20 minutes depending on your oven.(I start toothpick testing at about 15-16 minutes).  That's it!

Recipe makes about 18 muffins.

Calories: 90 per muffin

Saturated fat: 1.2 grams per muffin(and these are healthy fats, even the butter if it's REAL butter)

Sugar: 7 grams of sugar per muffin

I also would like to add some facts about how great cinnamon is for you and to add to your diet as much as possible.  It's a major antioxidant AND it IS delicious right? :)

Cinnamon holds the following:

Anti-clotting agents

Anti-Microbial Activities

Blood Sugar Control

The scent of Cinnamon has been proven to boost brain function

Colon and Heart health

Okie doke. I hope to post again soon.  I have so many recipes to blog about. Just because I've been absent here does not mean I have neglected my cleaner lifestyle. Thanks guys! Enjoy:)