Friday, October 4, 2013

Pumpkin Patch Muffins & September's Give-Away Apron

The kitchen smelled wonderful this morning with the aroma of these muffins; bringing back memories of the last October that Kelly was with us.  She loved pumpkin and I baked these with her in mind.

I just returned this week from an event in Houston where I taught classes on my next line out in October.  One lovely woman in my workshop asked me, "how do you go on after losing a child?"  That's a question I've yet to answer, but I said, "she made me promise to continue sharing."  Kelly had a tremendous heart and always put others first, so how could I not honor her request. Understanding loss is not in the human nature, but it is part of life.


Pumpkin Patch Muffins
1 cup orange juice, heated slightly in the microwave (about 40 - 60 secs)
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries

3 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cardamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.  Lightly greased specialty muffin pan (or line a muffin pan with paper liners)
I used this mini swirl bundt pan because its shape reminded me of a pumpkin!

Allow the cranberries to plump in the warmed orange juice for 15 minutes before starting the batter.

In a large bowl, measure all the dry ingredients and whisk together.  Add the "wet" ingredients and use a rubber spatula to mix together until smooth.
 Use a 1/4-cup scoop to measure batter into the muffin wells.
Bake in the preheated oven, 20 to 25 minutes until the tops "spring back" when you touch them with finger tips.  Allow to cool about 7 minutes before transferring the muffins to a rack to cool completely.  The recipe makes 12 large muffins.

Next, before I get to far behind, the winner of September's Give-Away Apron is Stamping Sue.  I'll be sending this out to you shortly for you to enjoy.  I would like to try to promise to get October's Apron up, but with another trip on Monday, I'm not sure if I'll get it done before I leave.  However, I will get one up and some special gifts to honor Kelly.  Enjoy!
 



15 comments:

  1. You have to go on living your life...you don't ever get over losing a child. I'm glad you share your memories and feelings here on your blog my friend. Love the recipe for yummy muffins. Congrats to Sue for winning the apron...she will LOVE it! Sweet hugs!

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  2. Those mini swirled bundt cakes are so so beautiful and lovely, Susan.
    Congrats to Sue.
    Have a peaceful and beautiful weekend, Susan.
    Angie

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  3. Your pumpkin patch muffins look like a wonderful desert for afternoon fall tea. I love how you honor your daughter with all that you do! Hugs to you sweetie! ♥
    Martha Ellen

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  4. Your sharing makes my life better! I'm glad Kelly has inspired you to keep doing that. Big Hugs to you my friend!

    Linda

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  5. What a beautiful photo! You honor your daughter so well, Susan. You truly do.

    Congrats to Sue! She's going to love it. (I've been keeping my Christmas apron hanging in the sewing room so I won't forget I have it. If I packed it away, I might never find it again. Hope that all your unpacking has been accomplished.)

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    1. We still have about 60% boxes in the basement that won't get unpacked until we make the final move next year...but it's slowly getting organized.

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  6. Hi Susan, after all this time I won one of your aprons...yeah to me! thank you. I'll look for it in the mail. how's the new place coming along?
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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  7. Congratulations Sue~my mother would always say, "good things come to those who wait!" Enjoy the apron, XOXO We should break ground soon, just waiting for final permits.

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    1. I received your beautiful apron! it's better in person. thank you.
      stamping sue
      http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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  8. Oh Susan....what a tribute to your beautiful daughter! Thank you for sharing the recipe and your heart. :)

    blessings,
    karianne

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  9. susan kelly was so beautiful, just like her mother. i can only guess that you go in love, and i know that is what you are doing as you are one of the most beautiful loving people i know.

    i love pumpkin anything so thank you very much for this yummy recipe!

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  10. You had such an amazing connection with your daughter. Everything you write about her makes me see how wonderful she was, and what an impact she had on the lives of those around here. I bet she would be so happy to see you baking pumpkin muffins!

    Another beautiful apron, too...

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  11. I'll be making my first pumpkin anything this weekend, too. :) Not for the blog, just for fun. Love pumpkin! Love cranberries! This combines 2 loves in one great looking muffin. :) Thinking of you, my friend...Lv, me

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  12. Hi honey, I just don't understand why you don't weigh a ton???? Love to always drop by for a visit. I always say hello to Kelly too.

    Love,

    S

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  13. Thanks for sharing your yummy pumpkin recipe and memories of Kelly!

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