Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

15 oz pumpkin purée
4 eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
⅔ cup water
2 cups brown sugar
3 ½ cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp sea salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground ginger

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour 2 medium dozen muffin pans.
3. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin purée, eggs, applesauce, water and brown sugar until fully blended.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.
5. Slowly add dry ingredients to the first bowl until completely blended.
6. Pour into muffin trays and bake for 50 minutes.
7. Muffins are done when toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean.

Serves 22.


Calories per serving: 148
Fat: 1.1g
Cholesterol: 34mg
Carbs: 31.5g (1.3g fiber)
Protein: 3.4g

Great source of selenium and vitamin A. Good source of vitamin C, calcium and iron. Low in saturated fat.

When I first made this recipe I had used only 1 tsp of cinnamon and ½ tsp of ginger and had baked a loaf, I found that it was a bit too much ginger for me and I really like cinnamon, so for these muffins I adjusted accordingly. And I am very glad I did, these muffins are super moist, fluffy and yummy with just the right amount of spice. This is a great autumn treat.

Homemade Lamb Leg Steaks

2 large lamb leg steaks
1 tsp butter or oil
1 small onion
1 clove of garlic
1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
2 tsp rosemary
2 tsp mint
2 tsp brown sugar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

1. Brown garlic and onion in butter/oil in large skillet.
2. Add lamb leg steaks.
3. Add apple cider vinegar.
4. Sprinkle half of remaining spices evenly over one side of the steaks.
5. Flip over and sprinkle remaining half of spices on the other side of steaks.
6. Cook for about 10 mins maximum.
7. Serve with your favourite side dish.

Serves 2.


Calories per serving: 518
Fat: 23.3g (7.8g saturated)
Cholesterol: 209mg
Carbs: 8.4g (1.6g fiber)
Protein: 65g
Great source of selenium, niacin, vitamin B12, zinc, iron. Good course of vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium. Low in sugar. 


At first I was afraid I used too much rosemary, but was pleasantly surprised that it turned out pretty yummy. The steaks were really tender and juicy.

Lee Lee's Pesto

3 cups fresh basil
¼ cup coriander
1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
¼ roasted pine nuts
½ ground parmesan cheese
½ olive oil
4 cloves garlic

1. Mix all ingredients in a blender/food processor (I used my magic bullet) and have it with your favourite pasta.

Serves 12.


Calories per serving: 118
Fat: 12g (2.1g saturated)

Cholesterol: 4mg
Carbs: 1.1g

Protein: 2.2g
Good source of vitamin A and calcium. Very low in sugar and low in cholesterol. 

I am in love with this pesto, I added a few non-traditional ingredients (jalapeño and coriander) to make it my own. The jalapeño pepper gives it an extra zip. 

Homemade Vegetable Black Bean Chili and Rice

1 can of black beans
1 tomato, chopped
2 mushrooms, sliced
½ cup coriander
1 tsp cinnamon
½ oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cayenne
1 dash nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup rice

1. Mix all ingredients, except rice, and cook over medium heat until done.
2. Cook rice until fluffy.
3. Place chili over bed of rice and serve. 

Serves 3.


Calories per serving: 858
Fat: 4.7g (1.1g saturated)
Carbs: 163.4g (30.9g fiber)
Very high source of fiber and iron. Very low in saturated fats and no cholesterol. Low in sodium and sugar. High source of vitamin A, calcium, manganese, magnesium and thiamin.

This was very easy to make, flavourful and hearty. It doesn't take much to get full and the coriander really accents the whole meal, wouldn't be the same without it.