Pumpkin Muffins

One of my most favorite autumn ingredients is pumpkin.  From ice cream to pie, I love to cook and bake with this squash like fruit. (Yes, I said fruit.)  Its versatility makes it a popular ingredient for both savory and sweet dishes which are enjoyed during the fall season. Every year from October through December, my kids and I love to bake pumpkin bread, muffins, cookies, cakes and pie.  This week we baked muffins using pumpkin for the first time this season.  I find baking these muffins very relaxing and enjoyable.  Perhaps it is because they are comforting to eat and can brighten a dreary day in just one bite.  Or, maybe it's because they fill our home with a wonderful scent of exotic spices.  Today's recipe is very easy and simple enough for both kids and parents to make on their own or together.  The flavor is the perfect balance of pumpkin and spices and the texture is moist and slightly dense -just the way I like them!