Happy First Day of Fall!

Would you care for a Harvest Spice muffin? :)

I whipped up a batch of these beauties yesterday in honor of Autumn's arrival (which, according to my sources, happened sometime before midnight last night). I had help from my littlest baker (natch) and together we had fun measuring and mixing and smelling and spooning and watching them rise ...

But I especially had fun setting up this fancy thing:

I decorated my Wilton cupcake stand with pretty silk leaves and then nestled the freshly frosted muffins into the display. A dusting of natural decorating sugar lent just the right festive touch.

Here is the recipe in case you'd like to try making a batch for yourself!

Harvest Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

3 cups flour
 1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking power
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil (I used a little less)
1 cup sugar
1 cup pear baby food
1 cup squash baby food
3 teaspoons vanilla

Sift together dry ingredients. (I use a giant whisk). In separate bowl, beat eggs; add oil and sugar; cream together. (I do this in my Kitchen Aid stand mixer.) Stir in pears and squash and vanilla. Add dry ingredients; mix well. Spoon into 24 muffin cups (sprayed with Pam or lined with paper cups). Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Test with a toothpick or cake tester. Let cool before frosting.

 (Note: this recipe is based on one found in Frozen Assets by Deborah Taylor-Hough)

Cream Cheese Frosting can be found here.

(Though I should mention, this recipe makes more frosting then you'll need for the 24 muffins. But having extra frosting on hand isn't such a bad thing, is it?)

Earlybird can't have oranges but THIS frosting recipe would also be wonderful paired with these muffins!

Now, I made these just for fun - for my family to enjoy this week - but they would be lovely at all kinds of fall functions: bake sales, harvest fairs, Halloween parties or on Thanksgiving Day itself. If you try them out, please drop me a line and let me know how you like them! :)

In the meantime ... Happy Fall, everyone! I wish you all a season filled with family fun, peace and plenty, and many memorable moments ...

"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." ~ William Cullen Bryant

Comments

[Melissa R]

I am SO behind on reading posts! I just read this one and it's perfect timing. I have a board meeting in a week that I need to bake something for (we get more done if we have a yummy to consume!). I am going to make this for the ladies, I'm sure it will be a big hit. Thanks!

[Lissa]

Oh, yum! This is one of those posts that makes me wish I were one of your children. :)

(Not that I would trade my own dear mama for the world--but you know what I mean!)

[Tammy]

Thank you for sharing this delicious sounding recipe. Our very own Cherub 3 is "baking" as an elective for school this year (various breads, muffins, cupcakes, rolls, pies / cakes -- all from scratch). He'll be trying out your recipe next week for sure.

Tammy

[Lori N from MN]

Amy - thank you so much!

[Andie]

Well, so far, all of your recipes that I've tried have been divine, so I'll just HAVE to try this one too! Sounds yummy!

[Dawn]

Thank you so much for stopping by, Liz! And for finding the right link for me - I've edited my post with the correct information. :)

My youngest son is autistic and we try to keep his diet as natural as possible. India Tree has been such a saving grace when it comes to baking, especially on birthdays and at the holidays.

Take care, and Happy Fall!

[Liz]

Absolutely stunning display. I really enjoy seeing all the beautiful things created here and I can almost smell the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves opening up the autumn season wafting off the screen.

One note: the link given above to the Natural Decorating Sugars actually links to the wrong page on the India Tree website. The true link is here:

http://www.indiatree.com/products/decorative/natures_colors/nc-sugar.html

Thank you for baking and blogging, and happy harvest season from India Tree.

[Amy]

Lori - I ended up using coconut flour and this recipe:

http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/recipe_Gluten_Free_Pumpkin_Muffins.htm

[Lora @ my blessed life]

Those look delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe~I just might have to try them:)

[Lori N from MN]

Mmm. Must try these. (Don't you think Amy should share her modified recipe with all of us?!)

Also Dawn, I'm still thinking about your colored index cards with the household tasks... Please consider creating an entire post just about them and how you use them, ie: these are your chores? Do the boys have their own daily chores? And how do you keep them on track - also index cards? Chart on the wall?

Thank you for considering my request!!

[Sandy]

Those look really yummy. I like the combo of spice and cream cheese. And what an interesting idea using baby food.

[Missus Wookie]

Oh I came to post my harvest moon photos and read your post - think I'll bake these tomorrow. Have to use purees rather than baby food as I don't have any.

[Alex]

these look so yummy! we'll have to try them!

[Tracy from NJ]

Wow - these look good! Thanks for the recipe - I'm definitely going to try them!

[Penny in VT]

Yum. yum yum yum

must.bake.muffins.

Thanks and a VERY happy Autumn to you - you are one of my very favorite people to celebrate the seasons with!

OH! And I always replace oil with applesauce - I bet it will be great in these muffins (not that oil is a bad thing, just my preference :)).

[Amy]

I've been baking with almond flour and natural sweeteners (I don't eat white flour or sugar) so I'm going to try those out with this recipe! Thanks for the recipe!