It’s Fall and with Fall comes apples and pumpkins. So that means Chunky Apple Muffins are on the menu for this weekend’s brunch. Pumpkin something or other might make an appearance too but at this moment I’m not completely sure.  What to make, apple awesomeness or pure pumpkin goodness, such decisions.

We have an apple tree in our back yard and it’s loaded with apples. Probably at least a hundred or so. Nice size tart Granny Smiths. They’re a beautiful sight clustered on the outstretched branches.  I’m so excited to  have them at my fingertips, and to get busy on  some apple recipes.

Isn’t it interesting how just a month or so ago we were trying at all costs not to turn on the oven?  Now I find myself using it almost every day.  Chunky Apple muffins are just that, chunky because they’re packed full of so much mouth-watering ingredients.  Walnuts, currents, apple chunks, almost a meal in each muffin.  Gluten free, dairy and refined sugar-free are three more benefits to these nuggets of fruity goodness.  They are also corn free because I make my own baking powder without cornstarch.  I used Granny Smith Apples, as that is the kind growing on my tree.  I think just about any apple would taste great in this recipe, although I’m not very fond of red delicious.  These muffins come together fairly quickly, hold together good and freeze great.

Apple tree, Asian Pear tree, zucchini and carrots, all ready to pick and preserve. Boy, do I have my work cut out for me.  There just aren’t enough hours in the day.  I might just have to call in the troops (aka the kids) and consumers of said produce.  Although I know the preserving/freezing is necessary, I would much rather be developing the recipes and taste testing.  I have visions of numerous apple cake, breads, and salads dancing in my head.  I made three recipes the other day, one fail, one needed some tweaking, and one success.  Chunky Apple Muffins was  that success.  I’m excited to share it with you as tis the season for apples.  Memories of bobbing for apples and Carmel apples on a stick comes to mind, we will see if we get around to that this year.  Can’t wait to share some dips for apple dipping too. You see what I mean, I could probably blog about apples till Christmas but where would that leave the Asian pears and carrots?  It’s bad enough that as of the writing of this post my carrots are still nestled in their earthly bed.  It’s time to yank those babies and trim, wash, cut or grate, blanch them. Where are those kids when I need them?

These are muffins you don’t have to feel guilty about eating.  Unlike the huge sugar laden ones you purchase by the dozen from the warehouse stores, eating these Chunky Apple Muffins , can be done without a major sugar spike.

So whether it’s for brunch or the kids lunch boxes, it’s time to get your muffin making on!  Now I’m off to figure out if pumpkin in some form will make an appearance at brunch.