Chia Walnut Pumpkin Muffins for a Healthy Halloween Treat

It is Halloween! 
While the kids are knocking on your door step for tricks and treats you can make your own, Healthy Chia Walnut Pumpkin Muffins. HealthKitchen has used whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, added healthy chia seeds, walnuts, and cinnamon to this recipe. These muffins won't be as sweet as the treats you'll be handing out to the kids, but they sure will taste delicious with some hot tea. We hope you have a safe Halloween.

~From all of us at HealthKitchen!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or Trader Joe's GF flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (16 ounces) pumpkin puree 
2 eggs
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4  cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
½ cup raisins
4 tablespoons chia seeds 

Tools:
2 large mixing bowls
1 wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cupcake tins
Cupcake liners

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°
   
2. Mix the dry ingredients (whole wheat flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, chia seeds, baking soda, and salt) in a large bowl
   
3. In the other large bowl mix the wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, eggs, olive oil, maple syrup, and vanilla) together
   
4. Fold the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients
   
5. Fold in walnuts and raisins
   
6. Place cupcake liners in the cupcake tins and place ¼ cup muffin mixture into each liner
   
7. Sprinkle a few chia seeds and walnuts on top if desired
   
8. Place in oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center of the muffin with no batter stuck to it
   
9. Remove from oven and when cool enough remove muffins from tins and allow them to cool before eating or storing
   
10. Store in a sealable container