These really are incredible.  They are moist and flavorful and so easy to make aaaaaaaand…….healthy for you to feed to your little ones for breakfast!

Too many times cake recipes camouflage themselves as muffin recipes.  And thus the reason that they are so widely loved by all.  Perhaps these little mounds of sweet goodness need to be considered cupcakes and reserved for snacks or dessert, however.

I always saw a muffin as a baked good that was delicious and nutritious and that you ate for breakfast.

But, I’ve got to tell you, it’s tough to find that combo, or yummy & good for you in a muffin.

I’m always tweaking recipes I have or find to try to create that delicate balance.

And this one?  Mmmmmmmmmm….was the feedback from my little Beach Rose.  And she’s got a good little palate.

Now, you try one and see!

Let the sweet adventure begin!

In a large mixing bowl add 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon to 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour,

then 1 teaspoon ground ginger (I always do a little less than a tsp, rather than more) ,

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg,

1/8 teaspoon cloves (about),

1 teaspoon baking soda,

1/4 teaspoon baking powder,

and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.

Whisk together until well combined.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients,

into which you will pour 1/2 cup vegetable oil,

1/2 cup honey,

2 eggs,

and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

Stir together with a fork, till mixed thoroughly, but do not overmix.

Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and fold it in with a spatula.

Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin and then pour in the batter.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes.

Bon Appétit, Ma Chérie!

 

Always, always, always a good idea…

New friend for sleepovers…

fun to play dress-up with…

or just bundle up like a baby…

the greatest addition to a child’s life, and her parents’ too!

 

Why is it that in NYC, ladies meet for lunch and part of their conversation revolves around what their therapists think is best for them.

“Well, my therapist says I need to take care of myself more, pamper myself, get more me time, etc”

Whereas in NE, at least along the southern coast, to admit you’re in therapy is to allow yourself to be psycho-analyzed by your peers/parents/siblings behind your back!

“OMG!  Did you hear that ___ is in therapy?  Can you believe it?  Well, I always knew she needed help.  Ya, but who needs therapy?  So they can tell you what you already know?  Please.  Just shut up, pick yourself up off the floor, dust yourself off and get back out there in life.  We don’t need no one to tell us life’s tough.  We know that already!”

I started going to see a therapist after I found out that my 60 year old neighbor had sexual designs on my 4 year old angel.  It really messed with my head.  My world view was skewed.  It got to where I started imagining that every man in her life was secretly harboring a plan to get at her.  Yeah.  Over my head and a bit overwhelming.

So, I went to visit a therapist who specializes with families that have dealt with sexual trauma.  Thank God I did…

And yet going really went against everything I’d ever been taught growing up.  It’s basically our ‘religion’ as purists.  Something horrid happens and you just suck it up and deal with it.  Life’s gonna hand you some tough cards to deal with and you’re going to have to soldier on.

Until you can’t.  Until you’re paralyzed by your fear and/or anxiety.  Until it creeps into your head at the most inopportune moments.  Until you feel it affecting all aspects of your life.

And then, well, then you thank your lucky stars that there are professionals out there willing to listen, help you work through it and find a way to deal with things a little bit at a time, at your pace.

I’m with the cool cats in NYC…I think my therapist and therapy rocks.