PUMPKIN FRUIT AND NUT MUFFINS

Pumpkin Fruit and Nut Muffins image

Provided by PaulaG

Time 40m

Yield 9 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/3 cup raisins
10 dried apricot halves, chopped fine
1/3 cup water
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons powdered milk
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup cashews, roasted without salt and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup apricot preserves

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Prepare a non-stick muffin tin by spraying with non-stick cooking spray of if you prefer, use paper muffin liners
In a small microwavable bowl, place the raisins, chopped apricot halves and 1/3 cup water
Microwave for 45 seconds or until hot
Cover the bowl and allow fruit to plump while mixing the remaining ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, powdered milk, baking powder and salt
Add the applesauce, pumpkin puree and egg, mixing until thoroughly combined
Drain any water from fruit that has not been absorbed and add fruit to muffin batter along with chopped cashews; stir to blend
Divide batter into 9 muffin cups and bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted off center comes out clean
Immediately remove muffins from tin and spread each with a small amount of apricot preserves