pumpkin, ginger, and dates dates dates

Having failed at my goal of this finally being the Easter I make Hot Cross Buns, I still have other Autumn food related goals which remain. I spent Easter driving up to Auckland, where I'll be for the next wee while, and while here there is plenty of eating and drinking and cooking and baking to be done. There may even be a spin-off blog along the lines of this one required, but watch this space. So with the rain falling and the weekend impending my main weekend goal is pretty simple - attempt to recreate Domain and Ayr's pumpkin ginger and date muffins.

I know muffins are incredibly passe, but these things are a meal in themselves and a damn tasty flavour combination too. I had a delicious coffee there last weekend when on a brunch date with my little sister, and as well as the totally unnecessary muffin entree and coffee, I also indulged in a banana and coconut smoothie with spinach, and an excellent if not a tad dry bircher muesli.

I've made pumpkin scones before, so I don't think these will be too hard to try. Failing that, I'll find yet another use for the fresh figs growing in the backyard, having already used them in a variation of this cake, and a variation of this tart coupled with mascarpone, honey and fresh thyme. Failing that I might just reacquaint myself with Auckland based friends and family. Failing that I'll just drink the bottle of Tanqueray on my dressing table. Only time will tell. Happy Friday x