A Frosty Winter's Morning Glory Muffins

The temperatures have been brutal outside despite clear blue skies that look warm as early spring.  I don't mind the extreme cold for just a couple of days, since I've been home with groceries stocked and a fireplace to stay as toasty as possible!  In fact, I am one to believe winter should be cold, despite popular opinion. :)  It helps balance our smoldering summers.

We've all woken up to chillier than usual bedrooms despite turning up the heat.  (I mean, what can you do when the lows are below 0, ha?!). So our sweet babies have had the bright idea to completely bundle--or bungle as the little miss says-- in our warmest, softest cable knit sweater throws!

I think they have the right idea to stay toasty warm!!! :)

The morning Mr. Cozy was off, Monday, I made a batch of these wonderful Morning Glory muffins!  They're easy since the base is actually a box mix.  They're chock full of things like pineapple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, apples and even carrots.  The addition of cinnamon and the wonderful streusel makes them smell divine when baking!  I added a simple glaze to finish these irresistibly cozy muffins off.  A cross between carrot or hummingbird cake and spice bread... This is a delicious recipe!!

When frost covers your window panes as the sun comes up, what better than to warm up by the fire or in your favorite blanket and sip on fresh coffee with a homemade morning glory muffin!  

Morning Glory Muffins

Adapted from Southern Living 

1/4 c. Milk

1/4 c. Canola oil

2 large Eggs

1 (15.2 oz) pkg. Cinnamon streusel muffin mix

1/2 tsp. ground Cinnamon

1 8 oz. can crushed Pineapple, in juice

3/4 c. Grated peeled apple (calls for Granny Smith but I used Gala)

3/4 c. Shredded carrots (not pre-shredded) I recommend grated yourself

3/4 c. Toasted pecans, chopped

1/2 c. Raisins or dried cranberries

Baking spray 

For the Glaze* 

1 c. Powdered sugar

1-2 Tbsp. Milk or Orange juice

* the glaze is my go-to glaze "recipe".  Sometimes I also add a splash of vanilla.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Whisk together first 3 ingredients until blended.

Remove and set aside streusel pkg. from the box.  In a large bowl, mix together the muffin mix and ground cinnamon.  Make a well in the center, and add the egg mixture, pineapple and next 4 ingredients, stirring just until moistened and no more.

Place baking cups in muffin pan and spray with cooking spray.  Spoon batter evely until 2/3 full.  Sprinkle the streusel packet evenly over the muffins.

Bake for 18-23 minutes on the top rack.  I didn't have mine high enough and the bottoms almost got too dark.

Stir together glaze ingredients and once muffins have cooled 10 minutes, spoon the glaze over the top for it to sink in a bit and coat the tops, too! 

Makes 1 1/2 dozen.