Pecan Pie Muffins

A few interesting facts about pecans:

1) Did you know that a pecan tree can produce for 300 years?

2)The US produces 80% of the worlds pecan crops. Georgia is the leading state in pecan crops.

3) And most interesting in light of the upcoming Valentine's Day (Momma you can skip ahead to the recipe at this point:)

"Pecans could improve your love life? If the body does not get enough zinc, it may have difficulty producing testosterone – a key hormone in initiating sexual desire in both men and women. Pecans provide nearly 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value for zinc. So, pass on the oysters and reach for a handful of pecans" (facts courtesy of National Pecan Shellers Association) I bet that's why in all those stereo-typical images of the south you see the southern belles residing on pecan plantations swooning at the drop of a hat:) Too much zinc from all those pecans! LOL! Who knew!

Pecans truly are considered a southern staple. From a young age, we are taught to run around the yard picking up pecans. Some have little gadgets with multiple wires that you can use to gather, but most of us just had to run around with a bag of some sort.  Though I always considered it a game, I now know the oldtimers were just using us! Oh well, the desserts from our labor were worth every minute.

Today's recipe is one to start your day off right. You can feel good about this recipe due to the fact that we are supporting an American industry. Plus, we can consider this healthy due to the zinc and protein from the pecans.  I'm sure it cancels out all the fat and sugar....right? Enjoy!

Pecan Pie Muffins

Recipe courtesy of Solo Foods

2 c buttermilk baking mix (bisquick or similar)

1/2 c white sugar

1/3 c brown sugar

1/3 c chopped pecans

2 eggs

5 TBSP oil (vegetable or corn)

2/3 c buttermilk

1 can Solo Pecan filling (you can get this in the canned fruit aisle or the baking isle)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 1-12 cup muffin pan and 1-6 cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside. In a large bowl, stir together baking mix, sugars and pecans. Set aside.

 In another bowl, mix together remaining ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing only until combined. Pour into cupcake liners Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (with only small crumbs). Let cool in pans for 1 minute before transfering to wire racks. Note: These muffins seem to improve with age. They are not as good while still hot. After cooling, they taste like a completely different muffin.