Happy Halloween: Healthy Pumpkin Spice Zucchini Muffins

Happy Halloween everyone! It's officially pumpkin spice season, so today's Thursday Treats' recipe is inspired by my love for pumpkins and all-things fall. That includes pumpkin spice treats, as well, but some of the store options are loaded with sugar and too much artificial seasoning. I played a bit with my Apple Cheddar Muffin recipe to create today's Healthy Pumpkin Spice Zucchini Muffins. I am quite pleased with the result and so are my kids - to me, that's the ultimate testament to the success of my cooking efforts. Take a look:

These mini muffins are healthier than a regular muffin because I used:

• Whole wheat flour
• One medium low-calorie anti-oxidant rich zucchini
• Organic agave syrup to substitute part of the sugar
• Organic plain yoghurt to substitute part of the vegetable oil

If you are intrigued, take a look at the ingredients and super easy prep.

Ingredients (makes 24 mini muffins):

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice mix
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp agave syrup
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup plain yoghurt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium zucchini - peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree - I used the organic canned pumpkin variety but you are welcome to cook your own
• 2 tsp diced dried plums - my new obsession
• 2 tsp mini dark chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 F and grease the muffin tin or line with muffin cups.

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients - flour, baking powder, sugar and pumpkin spice mix
2. Beat the egg, then add the yoghurt, pumpkin puree, agave syrup and vegetable oil. Stir well.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until moistened
4. Add the dried plums and mini chocolate chips to the muffin mixture
5. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups - I like to fill the cups well as it results in a nice crispy top
6. Bake for ~ 25 minutes

The aroma while these were baking was heavenly. Serve warm, topped with your favorite jam - like... pumpkin butter, for instance! I also enjoyed mine with a cup of my favorite coffee.

What are your favorite pumpkin treats?