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.
What a pretty way to display a muffin! :) They look great!
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!
I loved these myself! I thought they were great looking muffins. I love your glass dome photo!
the texture of your muffins looks SO perfect!
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!
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 :)
I am glad that you liked them.
love your cupcake stand!
Ooh, candied walnuts and dried cranberries – yes, please.
Your muffins look delicious!
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
Weren’t these just wonderful???
We loved them
Ah….missed you? See ya soon I’m sure.
AmyRuth