Pumpkin Spice Muffins

I almost jumped for joy today when I spotted the return of Libby's 100% pure pumpkin puree in the baking aisle at Giant Eagle. I frantically jammed can after can in my cart and rushed home to make a big batch of muffins. Ah, fall is here. My favorite baking time of year.

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 2 cups sugar

- 2 tsp baking soda

- 1/2 tsp baking powder

- 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

- 2 tsp ground nutmeg

- 1/2 tsp ground ginger

- 1/2 tsp ground cloves

- 1/2 tsp allspice

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

- 1 tsp vanilla

- 3 eggs

- 2/3 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350. Beat together pumpkin, vanilla, eggs and vegetable oil until smooth. In a seperate bowl, combine dry ingredients. (You could sift but I just use a small wire whisk until there are no clumps.) In batches, add flour mixture to pumpkin and stir until just combined. Add to muffin cups; bake for 18-20 minutes.

Makes 24 muffins. I did 1 dozen plain, then added raisins to the rest. Threw 6 of each in the freezer for quick breakfasts.

Jalapeno Jack Corn Muffins

I love corn bread and I love messing with it. Sometimes I add black olives, black beans, jalapenos, cheese... whatever. This recipe is one of my favorites. I'm making another big batch of Shana's Turkey Chili this weekend, and these will be a perfect side.

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup buttermilk (I usually use sour cream instead)

2 tbsp butter, melted

1 egg

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

1 tbsp sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 12 one-inch cubes

Heat oven to 425. Line 12 muffin cups with paper baking cups or spray tin. In medium bowl, combine milk, buttermilk, butter, and egg; blend well.

In large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt; mix well. Push dry ingredients to sides of bowl to form well in center.

Add milk mixture; stir until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups. Press cheese cube into center of each.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater Muffins

I am making these right now. And I just made the name up... haha. It's a "cheat" recipe... no one has to know how easy they are! I have an event tomorrow and completely forgot that I signed up to bring a baked good. I have all the ingredients in my cupboard, so in the oven these go. Best part, they're 2 WW Points, if you're counting.

1 box Spice Cake mix
1/2 cup skim milk
1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin
1 egg or 1/2 cup Egg Beaters
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
1/2-3/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)

Mix all ingredients and fill baking cups about 1/3 full. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. They're EXCELLENT served warm.