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Molasses Raisin Bran Muffins

I am definitely that mom that worries about my kids getting enough fiber in their diet, how about you? Or for that matter, making sure we all get enough fiber, am I right?

Enter these delightful Molasses Raisin Bran Muffins that not only pack a TON of fiber in each bite but are sweet and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

The Goodness of Bran

I'm a fan of too many yummy, yet sugary cereals I'll be the first to admit. But I always have a box of plain old Bran Flakes lurking around my pantry. They are such a wonderful component to making muffins, like these or even using as breadcrumbs or sprinkling onto yogurt. Some amazing benefits to bran flakes include:

  • 6 grams of fiber for every cup
  • High in folic acid
  • promotes healthy digestive health
  • helps to keep heart healthy
  • source of whole grains

Kid Friendly

I'm not sure how many kids are going to eat a big old bowl of Bran Flakes, but I know plenty of kids that will eat a muffin any time. These muffins are slightly sweet mostly by molasses and honey and super moist and fluffy from the coconut oil, milk and mushy bran cereal. When baked, you can't even tell these were made with a whole grain cereal. Brushing the warm muffins with honey after they come out of the oven takes these to a whole other level. The hint of sweetness and shine really make these stand out.

Ingredients

A quick roundup of ingredients include:

  • flour
  • baking soda
  • cinnamon
  • salt
  • ground flax seeds (additional fiber)
  • raisins
  • molasses
  • eggs
  • coconut oil
  • brown sugar
  • bran flakes
  • honey

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is the use of only a bowl and a spatula, no mixer required! These are the types of recipes I'll whip up the night before and have them ready the next morning. It truly saves time and I can ensure my kiddos are eating something that will fill them up and pack some nutrition.

Check out the full recipe below! As always, I love seeing your creations. Please leave a review or share your dish with me on social media. You can find me on Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. For more delicious recipes to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter!

xoxo,
Cosette

Other recipes you may like:

Pear Skillet Cake
Olive Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies
Print Recipe
 Molasses Bran Muffins
Molasses Raisin Bran Muffins
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Molasses Raisin Bran Muffins
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray muffin tins with non-stick spray, set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine your wet ingredients (except for coconut oil) + brown sugar, whisk to combine.
  3. Add your bran flake cereal to the wet ingredients and allow to sit for 5 minutes to soften.
  4. Slowly mix your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients and mix until just combined using a spatula. Your batter will be a bit runny (it's okay, it should be). Finally add your coconut oil and raisins.
  5. Fill your sprayed muffin tins full, leaving just a small space to the rim of the top. Be sure to scoop up raisins in each scoop. The muffins will rise but won't spill over, they will pillow up.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cake tester comes out clean.
  7. Remove from oven and while still hot, brush tops with honey.
  8. Remove from muffin tins, allow to cool on cooling rack and enjoy!
Recipe Notes

If you are using canola or vegetable oil in place of coconut oil, it is ok to combine with wet ingredients.

Recipe adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/47146/molasses-bran-muffins/

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Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

chicken, lebanese, instant pot, shawarma, wrap

These delicious chicken shawarma wraps are quick, easy, healthy and perfect for any dinner.

One of my fondest memories as a kid was my first trip to Lebanon. So many new people, places and things to see and do. I was about 12 years old and I remember my mom being terrified that after all the years of speaking to us in Arabic, we wouldn't be able to hold a conversation. See, my parents always spoke to us in Arabic but we replied in English, go figure! To her surprise and delight, after a few days our mouth couldn't stop talking. 

One afternoon our whole family, I'm talking My Big Fat Greek Wedding Style, 30+ people all gathered at a park or field or something for an afternoon. I'm sure I have pictures somewhere, but what I distinctly remember is watching my uncles and cousins butcher a lamb! I watched in intrigue and probably some horror as this little lamb was getting ready to be cooked. To the spit the little lamb went and I'm sure it was the best lamb I ever had!! 

Shawarma

Shawarma is a meat preparation, historically done with lamb but today often with chicken, beef or veal. Much like my experience as a little girl watching the lamb cook on a spit, the shawarma technique was created to allow roasting layers and layers of meat but without bones. Meat is layered on a vertical spit and layered with fat to keep the meat tender and juicy. As the meat cooks, it is cut off to serve. The meat is flavorful, tender and delicious. Crazy as it may sound, shawarma was brought to Mexico by immigrants from the Middle East. Later they evolved into tacos al pastor. As Lebanese immigrants made their way to Mexico, they brought their culture and traditions. They began integrating their own heritage with Mexican cuisine.

Modern Day Shawarma

While I'd love to have a spit in my front yard, or a vertical shawarma roasting machine in my kitchen, that probably isn't going to happen! So what's the best way to get all the flavor in a shawarma sandwich? Enter Instant Pot! I've taken some of the oldest techniques and completely modernized them into using the Instant Pot. Spices, tender chicken thighs and all the amazing fixings, this sandwich may send you all the way back to Lebanon! 

I hope you enjoy this simple recipe, not only is this version delicious but the spice mix is divine and can used on anything from potatoes to burgers! As always, I love to see your creations be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook if you give this a try. 

Xoxo
Cosette

 

chicken, lebanese, instant pot, shawarma, wrap

A gorgeous blend of spices to create a warm flavor.

chicken, lebanese, instant pot, shawarma, wrap

Chicken being prepared for the Instant Pot.

 

chicken, lebanese, instant pot, shawarma, wrap

Chicken cooked perfectly in 8 minutes!

 

chicken, lebanese, instant pot, shawarma, wrap

Wrapped up, filled with delicious veggies and tatatore sauce.

 

chicken, lebanese, instant pot, shawarma, wrap

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Print Recipe


Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

chicken, lebanese, instant pot, shawarma, wrap

Course Main Dish
Keyword chicken, dinner, gyro, lebanese, shawarma

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 5 minutes

Servings
servings


Ingredients
Shawarma Spice Mix (makes ¾ cup)

Chicken Shawarma

Tarator (tahini sauce)

Course Main Dish
Keyword chicken, dinner, gyro, lebanese, shawarma

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 5 minutes

Servings
servings


Ingredients
Shawarma Spice Mix (makes ¾ cup)

Chicken Shawarma

Tarator (tahini sauce)

chicken, lebanese, instant pot, shawarma, wrap


Instructions
Shawarma Spice Mix
  1. Mix all spices together and store in jar.

Chicken Shawarma
  1. **Note the above Shawarma Spice Mix makes MORE than needed for this recipe. Save remainder for another time.
    Coat chicken with 3 tablespoon Shawarma Spice Mix and olive oil. Can leave to marinade overnight, but not necessary.

  2. Add ¾ cup stock to the bottom of your Instant Pot and add the rack.

  3. Lay the spiced chicken on the rack. Place lid on pot and close to sealing position.

  4. Set to MANUAL 8 minutes, let cook.

  5. Once completed, release pressure after 5 minutes.

  6. Assemble your shawarma with any/all the toppings you'd like on pita:
    cucumbers
    tomatoes
    radishes
    onions with sumac
    green onions
    pickled veggies

  7. Prepare taratore sauce:
    With mortar and pestle smash garlic, add your tahini, water, lemon and salt. Adjust lemon and salt to your liking.


Recipe Notes

Check out Episode 2 on Ugly Delicious for a deeper connection tacos al pastor and Lebanese immigration. 
https://www.eater.com/2018/2/23/17029898/ugly-delicious-tacos-recap-season-1-episode-2


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Pi(e) Day ~ Apple Pie

Apple pie, Pi Day

Anyway you slice it, pie is good! Especially on Pi Day. What is Pi Day? Pi Day is the annual celebration of the mathematical constant π. Anything constant deserves a celebration! Now, I'm no mathematician but I sure can get down with Pi(e) any day of the week. Whether they be sweet or savory, there's always room for pie. Don't you think? 

With so many choices for pie, I had a hard time choosing the right one! Apple Pie, a classic, definitely not part of my Lebanese roots but apple pie holds a special place in my heart. Every Thanksgiving growing up my Godmother (also the Orr's Box lady) asked my mom to make a homemade apple pie. She promised to peel all the apples as long as my mom made the pie. And every year, the night before Thanksgiving, Marie would come over and sit at the kitchen table peeling all the apples. I'd sneak in and eat some of course but she peeled and cut them all so they were ready for a perfect apple pie on Thanksgiving. 

Apple pie, Pi Day

Obviously my Thanksgiving would never be complete without an apple pie, it is the quintessential pie, all American and perfect for any occasion. Best with a homemade crust but forgiving and easily made with any store bought crust. I'm no pie maker for sure, and most of my pies are usually savory, in the form of a galette or have a crumb topping. I went outside my comfort zone and made a very basic lattice top with some lovely leaf decor. You can do it anyway you'd like! My favorite crumb topping comes from Pioneer Woman from her Dreamy Apple Pie recipe, so feel free to swap out the top crust for a crumble. 

So however you celebrate Pi(e) day or any other day of the week, I hope you enjoy this recipe! 

As always, I love seeing your creations, tag me on Instagram @CosettesKitchen or post on my Facebook Page.

xoxo
Cosette

Pie filling

 

Apple pie, Pi Day

 

Apple pie, Pi Day

 

Apple pie, Pi Day

 

Apple pie, Pi Day

 

Apple pie, Pi Day

 

Shop Essentials for your pie:

 

 

 

Print Recipe
 Pi(e) Day ~ Apple Pie
Apple pie, Pi Day
Course Dessert
Cuisine Dessert
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Passive Time 30 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Course Dessert
Cuisine Dessert
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Passive Time 30 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Apple pie, Pi Day
Instructions
Pie Dough
  1. Use your favorite pie dough recipe or store bought. Keep cold until ready to use.
  2. See my notes below for tips and favorites. You will need 2 pie dough pieces for this recipe. **
Apple Pie Assembly
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all your filling ingredients except for the butter, milk and coarse sugar.
  3. On a well floured surface, roll your 1st pie dough out in a large round, large enough to cover a 9" pie plate.
  4. Drape over a 9" pie plate allowing the excess to drape over. Pour your apple mixture into pie plate and dot with the 2 tablespoons of butter, broken up into pieces. Place in fridge.
  5. Roll your 2nd pie dough out and cut into even strips to create a lattice effect. Check out the tips and link below for other ideas on covering a pie. You can also simply roll into a round, drape over pie and cut slits to allow for venting. **
  6. Whichever style you choose, trim excess dough then crimp together to seal edges.
  7. Brush the top of your pie (not crust) with milk then sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  8. Place pie on a sheet pan to allow any drips to fall on there instead of your oven.
  9. Cover edges of your pie with either a pie shield or tear small sheets of foil and gently fold around edges.
  10. Place pie on sheet pan in oven and bake for 15 minutes at 450 degrees.
  11. Drop temperature to 375 degrees and bake for another 30 minutes, leave foil on edges.
  12. After 30 minutes, remove foil from edges and check top of pie for browning. If the top of pie is becoming too brown, you can drape a loose piece of foil over the whole thing.
  13. Bake for another 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
  14. Check for a browned bottom crust, a nice golden color on top and caramel-like filling through your holes. Remove from oven, let cool on wire rack then enjoy with ice cream or whipped cream.
Recipe Notes

I like using Cocina Marie's all butter pie dough recipe:
http://cocinamarie.com/how-to-make-an-all-butter-pie-crust/
I did sub ¼ cup spelt flour for this particular recipe and had great success. 

Some ideas, tips and tricks for your 2nd layer of pie dough: 
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/11-super-easy-ways-decorate-pie

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Swoonworthy Apple Cake

Our Day.

We're already inching through November, kids are off of school 3 days this week and another 3 days week after next (they were also off last Friday). We're fully into "No School November" an official term here in Portland! Don't get me wrong, I love my kids but since all 3 have been at school full-time, I've kind of learned to love my time away from them (does that make me a bad mom??). Anywho, we spent today at home, I did some cooking and baking and also managed to make some playdough (you can find the recipe on my Instagram). There was also the ridiculously long Uno game, no lie...never-ending. But I wanted to be sure to spend time with them, even though I have about 6 million things to do (and the list keeps growing). They are growing up so fast and every day I see changes in each of them. So here I am at 10:45pm after finally cleaning up the kitchen from dinner, changed sheets and kiddos all in bed. 

The Cake.

This cake. What can I say about this cake besides, it's a SPECTACULAR. It's simple to put together, fail-proof, sweet enough for dessert but also perfectly perfect for morning coffee. I remember my mom making this cake when we were growing up, she called it the 1, 2, 3, 4 cake, something about the number of each item (I still don't get it) but she always made it and it always made the house smell amazing. Sometimes it was made with apples in the center (as I'm writing it today) and other times with walnuts. 

With Thanksgiving less than 2 weeks away I want to give you some dessert inspiration. I mean, Thanksgiving is officially the PIE holiday but if pie isn't your thing or you aren't ready to make and roll out pie dough, this cake will be the perfect addition to your holiday gathering. I've jazzed up the original recipe to include: apples + cinnamon + brown butter + walnuts = all the things we crave on epic Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving holidays. 

Brown Butter. 

Brown butter, besides cheese and bread this may be my other secret love child. I mean, butter on its own is pretty dynamite but take that butter, melt it down and get all those little brown bits and you have something even more superior. So I thought, hey, why not drizzle this amazing cake with a brown butter glaze, it can certainly do no wrong. So I baked the epic, classic cake, drizzled it with brown butter glaze and topped it with walnuts. I truly believe most desserts should have nuts, don't you? I won't digress or lead you on an even longer journey of my ramblings. You can find the recipe for this delicious cake below. Whether you decide to make it for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or just a Sunday morning, I promise you won't be disappointed. As always, I love seeing your creations, be sure to tag me on Instagram @CosettesKitchen or post on my Facebook Page.


Print Recipe
 Apple Cake
Apple cake with walnuts and browned butter
Course Baked Good, Dessert
Cuisine Dessert
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 65 minutes
Servings
slices
Ingredients
Cake
Brown Butter Glaze
Course Baked Good, Dessert
Cuisine Dessert
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 65 minutes
Servings
slices
Ingredients
Cake
Brown Butter Glaze
Apple cake with walnuts and browned butter
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter + flour a bundt pan.
  2. In stand mixer, mix eggs, vanilla (or whiskey), lemon zest and sugar until blended and smooth.
  3. Add flour, baking powder + salt on low speed.
  4. Finally add the oil and orange juice. Blend until smooth, be sure to scrape down sides and bottom. Batter will be thick.
  5. Pour half the batter into the bundt pan.
  6. Next, mix the apples and cinnamon together in a small bowl and place on top of the batter poured into bundt.
  7. Finally, pour the 2nd half of the batter on top.
  8. Bake for 65-75 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean.
  9. Remove when done, let cool and remove from bundt pan.
  10. Once cake has cooled, drizzle brown butter glaze and top with walnuts while glaze is wet.
Brown Butter Glaze
  1. Melt the butter on medium heat. Continue melting until brown bits begin to form. Be sure to scrape and swirl the pan as the butter melts. Remove when the smell is aromatic and butter has browned.
  2. Whisk in the remaining ingredients until a smooth glaze forms.
Recipe Notes

*Feel free to add in walnuts to the center of your cake if you'd like.

*The glaze and additional nuts are definitely optional, the cake on its own is amazing and can stand up to any dessert tray. 

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Apple Handpies

Do you guys remember those apple pies from McDonald's? The ones that came in the little cardboard boxes that were ridiculously addictive? I LOVED them! I remember buying 2-3 at a time (probably not a good idea) but one just didn't do it. They had the perfect exterior and gooey delicious filling. I think they were actually deep fried, I suppose that's why they were so amazing. Lol! So I have concocted what I think is a close comparison (dare I say even better) to those iconic pies. 

Tis' the season for all things apple, pumpkin, pear, persimmon, fig...this is the BEST time of year. It's the time of year when it's more convenient for us to stop at the apple orchard to pick apples than go to the grocery store for them. Perfect fresh apples will win my heart every time. Biting into a crisp apple is heaven but along with all those fresh apples comes the baking. Out of all the pies in the world, apple pie has to be my favorite! And in an effort to try and recreate the McDonald's Apple Pie, I had my work cut out for me. 

I didn't want to deep fry them, because well, that's a lot of excess work for a pie. And if I'm not eating a donut I actually prefer a baked good. My good friend Marie from Cocina Marie is a MASTER pie maker. Seriously, check out her Instagram for tips, tricks and some amazing pies she has been whipping up these days. After watching her effortlessly roll and work with her pie dough, I had to give her recipe a try. I love making a scratch pie dough but I have never worked so easily with it like her. So I gave her dough a try and worked very hard not to add too much water and keep a dryer dough (that has been my problem before, adding too much water). And low and behold, the dough came out PERFECT and you know what else? It tastes amazing, all butter and crisps up so beautifully. I am forever changed and this will be my new go-to recipe! 

Then the filling, the filling had to have a little goo but not quite as liquidy as standard apple pie. Also, since these would be cooking much faster I decided to cook up my apple filling before stuffing the handpies. 

Diced up apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, all-spice and ginger make this all star filling. Begin by cutting up your apples into small 1 inch cubes, toss in your flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, all-spice, salt and coat well. Add your butter to a skillet and let it melt, add in your apple mixture and let the apples cook down slightly. I added the zested ginger, water and lemon juice after about 5 minutes. I went ahead a took my potato masher and smooched (yes, that's a real word ) the apples a bit, not all of them, but just some to create a bit of a sauce with the bigger chunks. 

Let the mixture cool and then begin the assembly. Remove your pie dough from the fridge and work into a rectangle about 10" x 12" or so and cut into 6 rectangles. I then slightly rolled each rectangle out if they were a little on the thick side (I think my pie rolling skills need help). You don't want to roll too thin otherwise they will tear, so keep them hefty. Next, place a heaping tablespoon (close to 2 tbsp) in the center of each rectangle and then add a dollop of crème fraîche. Be sure to place the crème fraîche toward the back of the filling so it doesn't inch too close to the front where you'll close. 

Fold over your dough and seal using a fork around the edges. Place on parchment lined sheetpan, brush tops with heavy cream and sprinkle coarse sugar on top. Make 2-3 slits on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top and bottom. Let cool slightly and enjoy! I hope this reminds you of those delicious apple pies from your childhood! 


Print Recipe
 Apple Handpies
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Pie Dough
Apple Filling
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Pie Dough
Apple Filling
Instructions
Pie Dough
  1. Prepare pie dough as instructed and keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Hand Pies
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line sheet pan with parchment paper, set aside.
  2. Prepare filling. Mix together apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, all-spice, salt.
  3. In a large skillet, heat your butter and add in apple mixture. Let cook for about 5 minutes then add in your ginger, lemon juice and water. Allow apples to soften slightly.
  4. Using a potato masher or fork smoosh a portion of the apples to make them a little more saucy. Keep the other half of the apples whole. The mixture should be thick, almost like a paste.
  5. Once combined, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  6. Remove your pie dough and roll into a large rectangle about 10" x 12. Be sure to roll evenly and not too thin.
  7. Cut your dough into 6 even rectangles.
  8. Roll each rectangle slightly if needed to ensure they are even. Add 1 heaping tablespoon (close to 2) in the center of each hand pie. Place a dollop of crème fraîche, about 1 tsp, toward the back of the filling.
  9. Fold the dough over and seal with a fork. Place on prepared sheet pan, brush heavy cream on the tops and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Make 2-3 small slits on tops.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes in the upper ⅓ of your oven. Checking to be sure browning is happening evenly on tops and bottoms.
  11. Remove from oven, let cool slightly and enjoy!
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Kefir Oat Pumpkin Scones

 

This time of year is the BEST! Yes, I will probably start every blog post from now until Thanksgiving this same exact way. But it really is, the crisp air, leaves changing, cozying up with blankets and hot chocolate. My favorite! And not to mention my birthday is in ONE MONTH, I kind of like my birthday, I usually celebrate for a week or more. I will share more about that later. 

But I digress, fall. Fall = pumpkins + leaves + hot chocolate + a few extra pounds to stay warm! Hahahaha! I haven't really lost the pounds that I was supposed to for summer. Oh well! But what if I gave you a scone recipe that is delicious but yet hearty and filled with slightly less guilt than a traditional scone? A scone that will not only taste good but have so much yummy goodness for you and will keep you full. A scone filled with pumpkin + oats? Would you like that? Okay! Poof! Done! 

Probiotics ~ What are they good for? 

Traditionally scones are made with gobs of butter or a load of heavy cream (my favorite kind!) but I thought and thought and realized that Whole Kefir Milk is loaded with so many vitamins + probiotics. What is a probiotic you ask? Probiotics are good bacteria, the good stuff that keeps your gut healthy. I think we could all benefit from some good gut health? Am I right? I love Nancy's Organic Probiotic Whole Milk Kefir which is what I used in this recipe. It has 64 BILLION CFUs (Colony Forming Units) in every 8oz serving! I'm not a scientist but that sure does sound good to me! Lots of good bacteria aimed to help my gut and general well being? Sign me up! Since Kefir is lactose free and butter contains only traces of lactose, these scones 98% lactose free (I made that percentage up, but really, probably close to that)! 

How do I test my recipes to make sure a healthy scone is tasty? I have 3 children and many neighbors. When I'm unsure or trying something new, they are my audience and they are good at it. My kids will flat out tell me the truth if something is awful, they're great judges. They'd be fantastic on Chopped! And neighbors, I don't often give them awful stuff but when it's on the verge I share and get their opinions. The first batch of these guys were a little too dense (too much oat) but round 2 was perfect! My neighbors liked them both, hahaha! So the Kefir Pumpkin Oat Scone came to be but what really makes perfect is the pumpkin glaze, it really is the winner of the recipe, I know it's sweet and loaded with sugar but it really turns these guys into a perfect pumpkin scone worthy of  a weekend breakfast, a brunch or holiday gathering. 

I hope you give this recipe a try. It makes for a great morning breakfast for kiddos, especially if they don't consume a lot of yogurt or dairy, easy way to hide it! So many health benefits all wrapped in a nummy scone. I will warn they are a little bit denser than a traditional scone but I think they are amazing and reheat well. Enjoy and as always, I'd love to see your creations, tag me on Instagram @CosettesKitchen or post on my Facebook Page.

Print Recipe
 Kefir Oat Pumpkin Scones
Course Baked Good
Prep Time 10
Cook Time 16-18 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Pumpkin Glaze
Course Baked Good
Prep Time 10
Cook Time 16-18 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Pumpkin Glaze
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
  3. Combine your dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl with a whisk. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter until they resemble coarse pebbles.
  4. In another small bowl, add your pumpkin, kefir and vanilla. Using a fork, mix together until combined.
  5. Add your pumpkin/kefir mixture to the dry ingredients and fold until you have a cohesive dough. It shouldn't be too wet or too dry, if you need a tad more liquid, you can add a teaspoon of kefir at a time until you achieve a cohesive dough.
  6. Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 2 pieces and form into 2 discs about ¾" thick.
  7. Cut each disc into 6 small triangles, beginning by cutting the disc in half then each half into thirds.
  8. Place scones on your lined baking sheet and bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown.
  9. While baking, prepare your glaze. Combine your powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of canned pumpkin and blend together. You want a thick consistency so keep working the pumpkin until it is all blended, if you need you can add a bit more pumpkin (start with ½ tsp) until desired consistency is achieved. Add cinnamon and salt.
  10. Remove scones and let cool on cooling rack. Once cool, drizzle your pumpkin glaze and enjoy!
Recipe Notes

**You can make the scones and place in freezer before baking. Remove and bake at any time, top with glaze when ready. 
**I also like freezing the scones before baking, even for 15-20 minutes. It helps to loosen the gluten and create a flakier scone. 

These silicone mats are AMAZING and super inexpensive, I highly recommend a set if you don't already have them.
I use half sheet baking sheets, these are super! I use them for pizza, cookies, scones, chicken, potatoes, you name it! 

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Pumpkin Oat Streusel Muffins

Alright, we are officially in FALL!!!!!! I know, I know...it may be 90 degrees on the East Coast, in the 80s here on the West Coast but still, there is a certain something in the air. Nights are cooler, leaves are changing colors and that means pumpkins and hot chocolate are in order. While I bake all year long, there is something special about baking in the fall, it comes so naturally. The smell of cinnamon and sugar, visits to pumpkin patches and apple orchards, I don't think there is anything better. 

Naturally, the first fall recipe on the blog must be pumpkin. Truth be told, pumpkin all on its own, I'm not the biggest fan. But pumpkin baked goods are true perfection. I think all the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger + cloves turn that subtle pumpkin flavor into something magical. But what makes any muffin the pièce de résistance? Streusel. Streusel: bits of flour + sugar + butter baked to achieve the utmost deliciousness. It takes any cake or cupcake from good to fantastic, from a healthy snack to your 3:00 afternoon coffee treat. I think these muffins not only make a perfect coffee treat, but a wonderful breakfast for your loved ones. Packed with pumpkin, oats, coconut oil, yogurt and honey, they really are quite a perfect light breakfast.

Canned vs Fresh Pumpkin

One of the biggest debates when it comes to pumpkin baking season: canned pumpkin vs fresh pumpkin. I LOVE making everything I possibly can from scratch: pizza dough, tomato sauce, cheese, yogurt, you name it and I love the homemade version. However, when it comes to pumpkin, I have tried fresh (which has its place) but through and through I prefer canned pumpkin for baked goods. The problem with fresh sugar pumpkin is the liquid. There is much more liquid when you cook down fresh pumpkin which completely effects a recipe (and not for the better). So in my personal (non-professional) opinion, I go canned all the way! And frankly, picking up a can of pumpkin is a heck of a lot easier when you're looking to make a quick breakfast. My go-to canned pumpkin is Trader Joe's Organic Canned Pumpkin. It has a great flavor, inexpensive and who doesn't love Trader Joe's?? If you're not fortunate to be close to a Trader Joe's, Libby's is tried and true or any other preferred brand. 

I hope you find these little gems as special as my family has. They would be a perfect snack on your pumpkin patch or apple picking adventure or just at your table this weekend. As always, I'd love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @CosettesKitchen or post on my Facebook Page.

 


Print Recipe
 Pumpkin Oat Streusel Muffins
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Streusel
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Streusel
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line muffin tins with cupcake liners (or spray with cooking spray).
  2. Begin by mixing your dry ingredients in a large bowl, whisk to incorporate and set aside.
  3. In another bowl, add your pumpkin then eggs and whisk.
  4. Next melt your coconut oil FIRST, pour into pumpkin mixture and whisk then pour your honey into the same vessel as you used for the oil. The honey will slide right out into the pumpkin mixture. Finally add yogurt and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry and fold gently until fully incorporated and no white shows.
  6. In another small bowl, create your streusel. Mix ingredients together until incorporated and crumbly.
  7. Using a scoop or large tablespoon, fill muffin tins fully to the top. Crumble some of the streusel on top of each muffin.
  8. Bake muffins in upper middle rack for 5 minutes at 400 degrees, then lower temperature to 350 and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Check for doneness and remove from oven, allow to cool and enjoy!
Recipe Notes

**You can substitute canola, vegetable or another neutral oil for coconut oil
**Mix-ins would be a great addition: pecans or walnuts! 
**You can certainly use butter in place of coconut oil in the streusel ~ although the coconut oil works really well! 
**I imagine you can bake in a loaf pan, it would probably take about 45-60 minutes. Cover streusel to ensure it doesn't burn. 

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Mini Banana Walnut Muffins

Anyone who has been to my house or has seen pictures on my Instagram stories can attest to the fact that I ALWAYS have bananas turning on my counter! I buy the bananas, the children say they'll eat the bananas but then two days later the said bananas are still there, slightly mushier. What can you do?? Well, one thing is to make banana muffins! This time of year I'm always trying to make extra snacks for lunches or breakfast that kids will like and pack a little punch. My youngest, Isaac has been asking all week for muffins so I decided to wait for him and make them together after school. 

What you can't see in these ridiculously adorable photos, is the fact that I totally cringe when my kids make something with me. I know it's all a learning experience (which I aim to give them) but it also drives me nuts that the scoop was backwards, there were drips, at one point while mixing the wet ingredients he began spinning the bowl so the contents all went up to the sides and guess where that coconut oil went?!? Yup, all over the place! But despite the craziness, what I do stress and teach my kids is about good wholesome food, cleanliness in the kitchen and proper etiquette while cooking or baking. If my kid touches their nose, they go wash their hands AGAIN! If they lick their finger, guess what, hand washing AGAIN! I want them to learn to be confident in the kitchen but that also goes with knowing the proper way to work.

 

In the end, we both had a fabulous time making these sweet little treats. The suggested prep time listed below is WITHOUT a 5 year old helping (obviously)! I would double the time if a little one is doing the work! I hope you enjoy some of these hilarious and inspirational pictures and inspire you to bake with your littles. As always, I would love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @CosettesKitchen or post on my Facebook Page. I'm sure Isaac would LOVE your feedback as well, leave him a comment! 

 

 

 

 Can I eat the muffins yet MOM??

Print Recipe
 Mini Banana Walnut Muffins
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Prep Time 15
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Muffins
Crumb Topping
Course Baked Good, Breakfast
Prep Time 15
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Muffins
Crumb Topping
Instructions
Crumb Topping
  1. Combine all the ingredients for the topping, combine and with a fork cut butter until mixture is crumbly.
Muffin
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F Grease 36 mini muffin tins with non-stick spray.
  2. Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  3. In another smaller bowl, mix mashed bananas, egg, vanilla and coconut oil. Mix together with a fork until combined.
  4. Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.
  5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
  6. Fill mini-muffin tins to the top of each prepared muffin tin.
  7. Top each muffin with some of the crumb topping mixture.
  8. Bake for 5 minutes at 400 degrees, then immediately reduced temperature to 375 degrees and bake for another 15 minutes or until muffins are done with a cake tester.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes then transfer to cooling rack. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes

Can substitute oil, butter or margarine for coconut oil

Walnuts are optional and can be subbed for mini chocolate chips or omit completely. 

Adapted from the NYT Cooking
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/6245-king-arthur-flours-banana-crumb-muffins?mcubz=1

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