The first two ingredients I can’t wait to use each Fall are local apples and pumpkin purée.  When these two items become part of my cooking repertoire each year, the cooler morning temperatures and the anticipation of Fall colors are very near.  This lovely recipe for spiced muffins are very moist, and filled with the warm flavors of the season.  The base of the muffins are simply melted butter, flour, sugar and baking soda with the addition of rich pumpkin purée and a special spicy ingredient: crushed chai tea.  Adding crushed chai tea adds a fragrance and warm spicy taste to the muffins that is subtle but unique. The pumpkin purée adds a perfect moist crumb into the mix and the crunchy top comes from buttery walnuts. What a delectable breakfast-time treat to help usher in the new season.

(To view this recipe, click on the following link: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pumpkin-chai-muffins)

Tagged: breads, breakfast, chai tea, Food & Wine, muffins, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin puree, quick bread, walnuts