PUMPKIN MUFFINS
Pumpkin is a great source of support for the Stomach and overall digestive system. In Chinese medicine the Stomach and Spleen are the primary organs related to the digestive system. They also have a strong energetic relationship with the Lung and Large Intestine. So eating pumpkin is a win win for overall health.
[cooked-sharing]
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Sift the flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice (if using), baking soda, baking powder, and salt together.
In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients; and fold in the shredded pumpkin and cranberries.
Line a muffin tin with liners and divide the batter evenly. You can also pour batter into a 9 x 5 loaf pan for pumpkin bread.
Bake for about 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into center of muffin comes out clean. If baking in loaf pan, bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Cool for 15 minutes and then turn out on rack to cool completely.
Optional: Add any spices you like; adjust the sweetness if you feel like more or less sugar; add walnuts, raisins, ginger, or a chopped tart apple to the mix. Before baking, you can sprinkle raw pumpkin seeds on top of the muffin for an extra boost to your digestive system.
