Pumkin Almond Date Muffins, (Gluten Free, Sugar Free)

This morning I woke with my youngest Son excited it was my baking day. He knows that with Halloween around the corner, I will be baking all the yummy treats. I created this recipe this morning. They are the perfect addition to a piping hot cup of Coffee. This muffin is dense and very flavorful, with the consistency of a Brownie. The Mayonnaise keeps them very moist and the Dates add a special touch. If you do not have dates on hand, use raisins, Craisin's or your favorite Nut


Pumpkin Almond Date Muffins
2 eggs
1/2 C Real Mayonnaise
1 C Splenda - or Granulated Sugar
1 can Pumpkin Puree- 15 oz
 1 Tbsp. Bourbon Vanilla, or Vanilla Extract
Blend well with a wire whisk until well combined, then add :
1 C all purpose Gluten Free Flour Blend
1/4 C Almond Flour ( Available at your health food store, or process almonds until smooth)
1/2 C Cornstarch
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
Combine well
Fold in :
1/2 C Chopped Dates ( in the dried Fruit section of your favorite store)
Fill muffin tins the sprinkle the tops with :
1/4 C Slivered Almonds

Preheat oven to 350. Paper line your muffin tin or use non stick spray. I use a ice cream scooper to measure out my muffin mix. It keeps from making a mess and they are all the same size. This recipe makes 12 muffins. Do not worry about over filling the muffin tins as they only rise a small amount.  

Finally!

Thank you to all my Friends and Fans that encouraged me to start a blog. It will be an adventure to see where it may lead. As some of you know, cooking could be a challenge in my home. Every day I have the dillemma of what to make for consumption. I am Gluten Intolerant, very hard for a Chef like myself, though I never do without the foods that I love. My Daughter, Mary, is Vegetarian, borderline Vegan. My Husband, Duane is from North Dakota. A meal must include some sort of Meat and a Starch, and he could care less about the Vegetables. My Sons, Adam and Mitch are easy going (when it comes to food) and will eat anything I make them....especially dessert.
Life is hectic. It is my opinion that everyone deserves at least one great meal a day, no matter what your dietary restrictions are. (Three would be ideal, but let's start off slow) Here on my Blog, Cooking with Johnna, it will be my goal to teach simple tricks and techniques on just how to do that. As well as post some of my recipes and pictures.  I will share with you where I buy my products,which ones are my favorites and why, as well as where you can find them.
The first few blogs that I will be posting are focused on requests from friends and loved ones that have asked me questions regarding certain food items, or for recipes.
I look forward to this adventure with great anticipation....Lets Go!