5 Delicious gifts from the kitchen

PUMPKIN APPLE MUFFINS WITH CRUMB TOPPING

Yields: 12 (serving size: 1 muffin)

Delicious and full of fiber and protein, these sweet muffins are the perfect start to a holiday morning!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups chopped, peeled apple bits
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease or flour 12 muffin cups or line with foiled liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugars, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, and oil until well blended.
3. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients, blending until moistened. Fold in apples. Spoon equal amounts of batter into muffin cups.
4. In small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and spices. Sprinkle small amount of crumb topping on top of each filled muffin cup.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool.

Chocolate Candy Cane Pretzels

Serves 6

Delicious and kid-friendly, these treats combine the savory and sweet flavors for a mouth-watering gift for all your friends and neighbors! For an added twist, try sprinkling the chocolate covered pretzels with coconut or chopped nuts.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mini pretzel sticks
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped candy cane candies

Directions:

1. If you can’t find crushed candy cane bits in your baking aisle, simply place whole candy canes in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Place the candy cane pieces in a small bowl.
2. Using either a double boiler or your microwave, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth. If using a microwave, heat chocolate in short bursts of 20 seconds – checking often to prevent burning. Stir chocolate thoroughly to transfer heat and melt all chips.
3. Dip pretzels one-by-one into melted chocolate being careful not to burn your fingers. You can use tongs or a fork to dip the pretzels as well. Lay dipped pretzels on a baking pan covered in parchment or wax paper.
4. Before chocolate has cooled on pretzels, sprinkle with candy cane pieces.
5. Allow chocolate-coated pretzels with candy cane pieces to cool thoroughly.
6. Place in cellophane bags or metal tins to give to friends and neighbors!

>>>Up next: Cinnamon bun cookies