Saturday, January 2, 2010

Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins

So, are you having a great 2010 so far?
Well, I am. I joined up with close to 200 other people to participate in something called
Ten in 10: Ten Weeks to healthy in 2010. You can read more about this by going to THIS POST on The Recipe Girl's blog.

Basically, it is just about getting healthy in 2010. Everyone has different goals and knows what they need to do to be healthier. We have just joined together to provide support for each other and to be committed to something, so that we can accomplish our goals.
Not too much on my blog is going to change. We eat pretty healthy around here most of the time. I am going to try and have better breakfasts and lunches during the week for me, but this challenge is not going to be the focus of my blog. I am going to try and eat less sugar and also make sure that I exercise 6 days a week.

I love the beginning of a new year because it just feels like there is so much promise and renewal.

I made these muffins a couple weeks ago, before I even knew about 10in10 and modified them to make them healthier just because that is what I do with food most of the time.
I saw these muffins on The Food Librarian and had pumpkin and fresh cranberries in my fridge, so went ahead and threw them together one morning.
Mary mentioned that she wanted to try these muffins with fresh cranberries (the original recipe used dried cranberries) and crystallized ginger. I had both of these items available and decided to give her idea a try.
I also replaced half the flour with whole wheat flour, upped the spices, replaced the whole eggs with egg whites, replaced half the oil with unsweetened applesauce, and reduced the sugar by a couple of Tablespoons.
Breakfast foods like muffins, are a good place to switch out ingredients and make things healthier because they aren't supposed to be dessert. :)

I really liked these. I already love the combination of pumpkin and cranberry and I like fresh cranberries more than dried, so I knew I would love them. The cranberries were really tart, but were offset by the sweet chunks of crystallized ginger. You could also toss the chopped cranberries in a little bit of sugar, to make them not quite so tart.

These did taste healthy, but I didn't mind, because I like it when things taste healthy.

If you are unsure about making these muffins with all the healthy changes that I made, check out the links below to see the original recipe and modify it to your liking.

Pumpkin Cranberry Ginger Muffins adapted from The Food Librarian
Adapted from Very Culinary Blog who adapted it from Betty Crocker


In large bowl, mix together:
1 c all purpose flour
1 c whole wheat flour
3/4 c sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1 t ground ginger
1/4 t salt

Combine the following in a small bowl. Then quickly fold into dry mixture with a spatula until just moistened. Do not overmix!
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 c canola or vegetable oil
3 egg whites or 1/2 cup egg white substitute
1 1/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries
1/3 c crystallized ginger, chopped

Scoop into muffin tray greased with cooking spray or lined with muffin cups (I use an ice cream scoop). Top with sanding sugar or sugar in the raw (turbinado). Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.

11 comments:

Beth (jamandcream) said...

I like it when things taste healthy too. Feel v virtuous

Aggie said...

I like these muffins! I have some fresh cranberries and canned pumpkin still around...I'm kinda baked out but if I have the urge later this week will make these for the kids! I saw the 10 in 10 challenge on Lori's blog, great you are joining in. I love the new year, fresh start!

happy new year to you!!!

Kasha said...

What a fabulous combo! Im all for healhier in 2010. Thanks for sharing!
www.grubandstuff.blogspot.com

Sook said...

Looks so beautiful and delicious. I hope you had a great holiday! Happy New Year!

Barbara said...

I like it when things taste healthy and look decadent!
I made some pumpkin and cranberry scones this year and I loved the combination. Will try your muffins next!
Happy New Year!

Meghan said...

Love the changes you made! Your muffins are so pretty :) Happy New Year!

Amy said...

Greetings Mary Ann! These are my absolute favorite muffin...can't tell you how many times I've made them already. Love how you adapted them - will need to try.

Thanks for the credit. I love it when I'm notified because I get to discover other fantastic food blogs!

The Food Librarian said...

Yummy yummy variation! Love it! - mary the food librarian

Cookie said...

Aside from food presentation, the most important is it is heavenly delicious and contain healthy ingredients. I think I will try baking Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins. I enjoyed cooking with my new discount le creuset cookware.

Anonymous said...

YUM. Those muffins sound delicious. Yay for a healthy 2010.

Weaning baby Food said...

I had some time spare today to do a bit of baking and these were delicious. Healthy too! You don't feel so guilty when eating them :)

Thank you!