Yes, I must admit, that sometimes, I use mixes for speed, or simply because I just don’t feel like making something from scratch…Don’t act like you don’t!

However, one thing I ALWAYS do is doctor it up somehow to make it better and/or to make it my own.

Today, I was craving carrot muffins, and had a few good additions that I thought I’d share with you…

I have been on a flax and sesame seed, especially black sesame seeds, kick…So, I added 2 tsp of flax seeds to a recipe for 12 large muffins.

I also love raisins in my carrot muffins, not only for a little sweetness, but just because I love raisins, but I seem to gravitate towards golden raisins most of the time.

Then, I got a little bit ambitious and wanted to add some more grated carrot (~ 1/4 cup). At this point I laughed and thought to myself that I should have just made them from scratch.

Then, a mini-epiphany:

I love carrot cake with that great cream cheese icing…especially like my sister used to make…but did not feel like making icing today…

So, I cut up a few small chunks (~ 1/2″) of cream cheese, maybe 1-2 per muffin, and mixed that in…

What a splendid idea!!! I got the idea of that great cream cheese without making icing or having a mess on my hands! Yeah for creativity!

Well, I certainly wish I would have put more…maybe 3-4 chunks per muffin! It was delicious! Just what I wanted without all the mess and fuss! YUM!

Tip: That’s what is so important in the kitchen…creativity…your creativity…

Keep in mind what the things you like to eat are, and go to town…You never know when you’ll create something fabulous!

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I hope you enjoyed these Baking Ideas on Cooking With Kimberly! Until next time…

Eat Deliciously,

Kimberly Edwards 🙂

P.S. In need of a new Muffin Pan? I’ve looked around, and this is one that I especially like:

12 Cup Muffin Pan