Pumpkin Granola Muffins

Have we all been pumpkin'ed out yet by all of the pumpkin spice coffee/bread/oatmeal/pie and other concoctions that are so popular this time of year at every holiday party, coffee shop and grocery store? Because I'm not quite maxed out to my personal limit yet, so I think it's time for a pumpkin post! This time of year only comes around once a year, so it's best to make the most of it. Especially when the pumpkin goodie in question is a healthy(ish) crunchy tasty pumpkin muffin topped with granola.

Yep, you heard correctly. Today we are taking muffins to the next level by adding an exciting granola topping as the proverbial cherry on top. I found this idea on a blog called The Clever Carrot, and can't wait to repeat it for every type of muffin out there for the rest of my life - blueberry muffins, banana, you name it - this is a genius idea that will make a basic muffin much more interesting. I'll take five, please. 

What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year? My parents are driving over from Nevada, and then we are all going to the Santa Barbara area to meet up with Stuart's family. I can't wait for loads of turkey, cranberry sauce, and of course a slice of pumpkin pie!

Ingredients:
Dry:
1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
Wet:
1 c. pumpkin puree
--> ¾  c. sugar2 eggs
--> 1½  tsp. vanilla --> ⅓ c. coconut oil, melted & cooled1 c. granola (any variety – for garnish)

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Line a muffin tin with 12 paper cases.
2. In a large bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients so that they are evenly incorporated.
3. In another bowl, whisk together all of the wet ingredients.
4. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, and stir until just combined; do not over mix (the muffins will be tough).
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling them about 2/3 full.
6. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of granola onto each muffin.
7. Bake in the center of the oven for about 25-30 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
8. Transfer to a wire rack to cool before serving.