Healthy Halloween Muffins Recipe

Directions

1. Begin by preparing the squash base. Peel your vegetable, slice it into manageable pieces, and steam for approximately 20 minutes until tender. You can use a dedicated steamer or a colander set over simmering water. Transfer the cooked squash to a bowl and blend until completely smooth, adding a splash of water if needed. A hand blender works best for a silky texture, though a standard blender or food processor will also do the job.
2. Incorporate the fat into your squash. If the puree is warm, simply stir in the butter or coconut oil until melted. If it has cooled, gently heat them together in a saucepan over low heat, then let the mixture cool down. For frozen puree, thaw it overnight and warm it slightly before mixing. Meanwhile, heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, mixed spice, and the cooled squash mixture. Sift in the self-raising flour and fold it in gently with a metal spoon to preserve the air.
3. Divide the batter among your muffin cases, filling each about three-quarters full to give the cakes room to expand. Bake for roughly 25 minutes until the tops turn golden. Test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should emerge clean. Once baked, let the muffins cool entirely before adding any decorations.
4. Create a pumpkin face by combining Greek yogurt or cream cheese with a drizzle of maple syrup, a pinch of mixed spice, and a spoonful of squash puree to form an orange-colored frosting. Spread this over a cooled muffin. Add a small piece of kiwi for the stem and use raisins to form the eyes and teeth.
5. Craft a spider design by blending Greek yogurt or cream cheese with maple syrup for a white frosting. Spread this on a muffin and place a whole blackberry in the center for the body. Use sliced blueberries as legs, or alternatively, use raisins and blueberries for the body and draw the legs with a cocktail stick dipped in blackberry juice.
6. Design a Dracula character by mixing Greek yogurt or cream cheese, maple syrup, and blackberry puree to make a purple-hued frosting. Spread this on a muffin and sprinkle poppy seeds at the front to create a widow's peak hairstyle, using a cocktail stick to position them. Use raisins and chopped goji berries for the eyes, a goji berry for the mouth, and white frosting for the fangs.
7. Fashion a witch's hat by applying the white frosting used for the spider muffins. Top it with pieces of dried prune to form the brim and crown of the hat.