These perfect little guys are the best for popping into your mouth as you run out the door in the morning. Hot out of the oven, they fill the house with an unbelievably comforting scent of apples, spices, and homey goodness. Their edges are ever so slightly crispy, their centers are as moist and light as a cloud. You are going to

Applesauce Spice Muffins
from my Auntie Heather

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups applesauce
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons allspice
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired
Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large electric mixer bowl, cream butter and sugar at medium speed. Add eggs one at a time, then add the applesauce, mixing to combine.

In a separate blow, conbine flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Add to the creamed mixture, stirring unti lcombined. Stir in nuts, if desired.

Fill well-greased mini-muffin tins 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 14-15 minutes.

This batter will keep for up to 1 week in the fridge. The muffins also freeze very well. Pop them straight into the freezer when they come out of the oven, then package them in freezer-safe packaging. Store for up to 3 months.

Here is a wonderful spin on the traditional hummus recipe I blogged recently. The roasted red peppers give hummus a tangy sweetness, and an extra zesty spice.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans (aka chick peas), drained and rinsed
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and patted dry with a paper towel
1 clove garlic, sliced
1 tablespoon tahini
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Measure all ingredients into a food processor. Pulse several times to chop up the ingredients. Then process on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hummus is smooth and thick. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with fresh pita bread or pita chips.

The key to the perfect trail mix is to hit that ration of sweet-n-savory right on the nose. Here, the sweet tartness of dried fruits and chocolate compliments the salty pretzels, nuts, and goldfish. The combination of textures and flavors is so satisfying – perfect for an extra energy boost on the run.

Trail mix is delightful as an afternoon snack, as a fun party snack, or for its intended purpose – to take on the trail!

Sweet ‘n’ Savory Trail Mix

1 package goldfish
2 cups pretzel rods
1 package roasted peanuts, salted
1 package roasted cashew pieces
1 package chocolate covered raisins
1 package dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried pineapple chunks
1/2 cup dried cherries

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until evenly combined. Package in indivivdual servings, if desired. Enjoy!