the real reason muffin wrappers were invented...

Although muffin wrappers are useful when it comes to cleaning your muffin tin, that's not their primary function. No, their major role, at least for me, is to act as an obstacle between me and said muffins. If the wrapper wasn't there, I'd tear into those suckers willy-nilly until my stomach seams popped.


Especially when said muffins are miniature AND taste like pecan pie.

You've no doubt seen these pecan pie muffins before, and I didn't make any special changes. Just know that they're addictive and delightful, and if you haven't yet experienced the wonder that is the pecan pie muffin, you really should. And heed my words, folks--use the muffin cups.


The pecans that I used for these were outstanding. They came from the Pecan Store, which boasts the "freshest, yummiest pecans on earth." I believe it. In addition to pecans (which you can get covered in anything from butterscotch--swoon--to dark chocolate to cajun spices), they offer cookie and bread mixes, honey butters, salsas, and all kinds of jams, jellies, and sauces. The Pecan Store (a division of The Green Valley Pecan Company located in Arizona) is worth a look, because based on the pecans I received, its products are of the highest quality.


Meanwhile, as a pie lover and math nerd, I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't realize today was Pi Day until this morning. It's fair to think of these as pie in muffin form, wouldn't you say? I would. Happy Pi Day!

Pecan Pie Muffins
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350F.
Combine the pecans, brown sugar, and flour in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until foamy and stir in the cooled butter and vanilla. Add this to the dry ingredients, stirring until moistened. Pour into a lined muffin tin, or a sprayed silicone pan (if you like to live dangerously or are able to exhibit stellar self-control).
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Remove the muffins from the pan immediately and cool on wire racks.