TWD – Pumpkin Muffins
Posted by Melissa on October 21st, 2008. Filed under: Tuesdays with Dorie.
Dorie may have gotten it right this time. I’m willing to consider changing my opinions. These pumpkin muffins were everything she promised. They were fantastic. I had hoped these would be sweet – but not too sweet; perfect for breakfast with a little butter and maybe a dab of honey. I couldn’t trust myself with these, so I decided to make them as a thank you gift for my neighbors for dog-sitting.
Kelly of Sounding my barbaric gulp picked these for our weekly TWD recipe, and I’m so glad she did. You can find the recipe at her blog. I made only a few minor adjustments to the original recipe – I had no ground allspice on hand, so I withheld it. Also, instead of using pecans I used candied walnuts, and lastly, instead of raisins, I used dried cranberries (I’m sorry – I’m just really head over heels for fall right now – sue me.) I also had leftover pumpkin puree that I had prepared from scratch when making my pumpkin cake, so it was nice to throw that in instead of the canned stuff that I’ve relied upon so heavily the last few years.
I was also impressed with the fact that I need not alter the baking time or temperature ONE bit! It was dead on and I was dead shocked. They were perfect just as the timer went off and they were just stunning. Beautiful golden crown with a crackly surface, just like I like ‘em! And they popped right out of the muffin tin – I didn’t want to use paper liners – I liked they way they looked in Dorie’s picture, just as they were.
And much to my surprise, the sunflower seeds added a really nice touch flavor-wise. They give you a very unexpect saltiness that seems to pair so nicely with the subtle sweetness. Be sure to head over to TWD headquarters to check out the other fancy-pants muffins. And Kelly, nice pick. Very very nice pick.
October 21st, 2008 at 12:20 am
What a pretty way to display a muffin!
They look great!
October 21st, 2008 at 12:42 am
Lucky you, to have leftover homemade pumpkin puree. I do agree that these were just as promised, perfect for breakfast, and very fall-like. I love the cupcake dome in the first pic too – too cute!
October 21st, 2008 at 5:33 am
I loved these myself! I thought they were great looking muffins. I love your glass dome photo!
October 21st, 2008 at 7:32 am
the texture of your muffins looks SO perfect!
October 21st, 2008 at 8:53 am
Ohhhhh! A little muffin sitting on a king’s throne… what a deserving muffin!
I’m glad you enjoyed them so much… the candied walnut must have made them even better!
Great job!
October 21st, 2008 at 8:54 am
Your muffins are beautiful! I loved the recipe too and am NOT a pumpkin fan. I added chocolate chips, but if I hadn’t I would have paired this with my cinnamon butter
October 21st, 2008 at 9:52 am
I am glad that you liked them.
October 21st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
love your cupcake stand!
October 21st, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Ooh, candied walnuts and dried cranberries – yes, please.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Your muffins look delicious!
October 24th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Melissa, Just read about your blogging buddy for Sherry Yard’s book. Congrats! That will be awesome!
Love your presentation for your featured star!!! So glad you found them satisfying. I agree that the salty sunflower seeds on top offer a nice compliment to those sassy little pumpkin muffins.
AmyRuth
October 28th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Weren’t these just wonderful???
We loved them
November 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Ah….missed you? See ya soon I’m sure.
AmyRuth