Spelt Chia Seed Pumpkin Muffins

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I've got a tasty recipe for you all tonight.

I absolutely love fall. I enjoy the crisp mornings and mild, breezy afternoons. I love the fact that I can go for a run after work without having to worry about the sun and heat slowly but surely killing me with each passing mile. While the weather is pretty darn amazing, I also get excited about the abundance of pumpkin. With this season comes many a recipe involving this delicious ingredient and one of my all time favorites is my Spelt Chia Seed Pumpkin Muffins. There are different variations of this recipe floating around. However, I've tweaked them a bit and put my own spin on it. For this recipe, instead of using whole wheat flour or white flour, I use spelt flour. Spelt flour is great because it is easy to digest, is high in both protein and B-complex vitamins, and has a really yummy, nutty flavor. The addition of chia seeds provides a kick of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. When you combine these superfoods with the vitamin A packed pumpkin, you've got yourself a healthy treat to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups spelt flour
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (if you like a sweet muffin, add another tbsp of sugar)
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 organic egg, beaten 
• 1 cup organic skim milk 
• 2 tbsp applesauce (replaces the oil)
• 1/2 can of pumpkin
• 2 tsp chia seeds (I add them into the batter at the very end)

Directions

1. pre heat oven to 400 degrees
2. mix together all the dry ingredients (flour through salt) in a large bowl
3. in a second bowl, mix together all the wet ingredients (egg through pumpkin)
4. pour wet mixture into dry mixture and mix until just combined
5. add chia seeds and mix carefully
6. spray muffin tins and fill  about 2/3 of the way full
7. bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops are nice and golden

I eat these muffins as a snack after work, as pre run fuel, or sometimes I'll sprinkle 1/3 of one on my morning oats with a bit of real maple syrup and peanut butter. So good!

I hope you all enjoy these muffins as much as I do! Happy fall!

Be Well,

Ashleigh