Butternut Squash, Apple and Hazelnut Muffins

makes 15 muffins

1/2 small butternut squash puree, peeled, seeded and diced
3 eggs
1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
1/4 cup (50 g) natural cane sugar
1/3 cup (80 ml) unsweetened coconut milk
1/3 cup (80 ml) coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (70 g) superfine brown rice flour
1/2 cup (70 g) quinoa flour
1/3 cup (45 g) hazelnut meal
3 tablespoons (20 g) tapioca starch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Gala apple, peeled and diced into 1/8-inch pieces
1 ounce (30 g) chopped hazelnuts

Preheat oven to 350F (180C).

Steam the diced squash until tender, about 10 minutes. Puree it in the food processor and measure 1/2 cup (115 g). Reserve the rest for another use.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the butternut squash puree, eggs, light brown sugar, natural cane sugar, coconut milk, coconut oil and vanilla extract.

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the superfine brown rice flour, quinoa flour, hazelnut meal, tapioca starch, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and whisk to combine. Fold in the diced apples and hazelnuts.

Pour the batter into the muffin molds or baking cups and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Special Apple Pie

This makes a big, rich pie, be sure and use a 10" pan or it overflows in the oven.

Crust: Combine 1 and 3/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. salt. Cut in 1/2 cup plus 2 T. butter (one and 1/4 sticks), 1/4 cup water or apple cider. (can be made in stand mixer. It's worth using the apple cider, makes the crust delicious). Roll out the crust, ease into a 10" pie pan and flute.

Filling: 8 McIntosh apples (if they're big you'll only need 6-7), peeled & sliced.
Combine 1 and 2/3 cup sour cream, 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1 egg, 2 tsp. vanilla, 1/2 tsp. salt, and mix well. Stir in the apples and spread in the crust.

Bake: Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake 'til slightly puffed and golden brown, 40 minutes.

Topping: Combine 1 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 T. cinnamon, pinch of salt, 1/2 c. butter. Mix until crumbly. Spoon over pie and bake 15 minutes longer.

Easton/Farrell family Thanksgiving applesauce

18 apples (I used Granny Smiths for a tart sauce, the recipe suggests McIntosh)
1 cup apple cider
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbs. vanilla
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

Peel, core, and quarter apples

Combine all ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed sauce pan with a lid. Cook on medium heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring often, until apples are saucy. Mash any remaining large apple pieces with a spoon.

Taste the applesauce and add more sugar and spices as needed.

Applesauce can be stored for 2 to 3 days in the fridge.