The Garage Plan Shop Blog

Here’s a muffin recipe that uses two of Thanksgivings favorite flavors. I like to serve them warm for breakfast as a preview of the goodies to come. And remember, since they are muffins, you don’t have to mix them to death, a few lumps in the batter is okay.

Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins

2 cups flour

¾ cup brown sugar

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 cup pumpkin puree

2 lightly beaten eggs

½ cup melted butter

¼ cup buttermilk

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup chopped pecans

Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. In another bowl mix together the pumpkin, eggs, butter, buttermilk and vanilla. Then gradually beat in the dry ingredients. Stir in the cranberries and nuts. Fill greased muffin tins ¾ full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Makes approximately 12 muffins.

Tags: breakfast muffins, muffin recipe, pumpkin cranberry muffins

Cold weather can cause all kinds of transportation problems, so don’t put off having your car inspected and serviced now. Below is a checklist of the most important areas of your car to review or inspect in order to be prepared for winter.

1. Check all of the fluids. This includes oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
2. Have the battery serviced including cleaning the terminal ends and checking cables for wear. If it fails a load test or is more than four years old, replace it.
3. Check tire tread for wear. If you drive on remote roads consider replacing all-season tires with snow tires for added traction in snow and ice. Check out these all-season tires, they are the best choice for driving all year round thus making you save a whole lot more because it is an investment itself.
4. Make sure tires are inflated properly as cold temperatures will lower pressure. Specifications for your car are usually found on the edge of the door or in the glove box.
5. Have your breaks inspected. Control on slick roads is key in the winter.
6. Test defroster, heater, and all the lights including turn signals and headlights.
7. Replace windshield wipers to ensure best visibility.
8. Keep the gas tank full to prevent moisture freezing in the gas lines.
9. Carry emergency items. Include a blanket, extra clothing plus boots, gloves, hat, ice scraper, snow shovel, flashlight, flares, kitty litter for traction, jumper cables, a phone charger, and maybe your favorite snacks to get you through that enormous traffic jam on the way home from work.

Tags: winter tips, winterizing checklist, winterizing your car