Traditionally, autumn is the season for harvesting aromatic herbs. Before the drying process begins, people would try to utilize the fresh herbs, a practice that has become a cherished autumn tradition. It's essentially our way of using pleasant fragrances to welcome the kind-hearted Autumn goddess and, simultaneously, show the door to the freaking brutal Summer god, thus saving us from the stupid (in my case, Texas) heat. Because let's face it, summer in Texas is essentially Mother Nature's way of preparing us for a zombie apocalypse.

Who has the time for this tradition

However, amidst the never-ending chores of life—work, family, social obligations, and the crucial task of catching up with the latest series—this delightful tradition usually go straight to the bottom of the to-do list or at the top of the shopping list. After all, who among us has the time, patience, or inclination to measure, mix, and meticulously fold ingredients? Fortunately, the baking gods, in their infinite wisdom, have bestowed upon us the miraculous concept of "dump, blend, and bake." No more fuss, no more mess, and certainly no need for a culinary degree (which, let's be honest, was never going to happen). Simply dump your ingredients into a blender, blend until they are at least on nodding terms, then pour into muffin cups and bake.

Note: No, don't ever present this to Gordon Ramsay. These no gourmet muffins. But just a simple muffin for our own healthy...er craving is more than etiquette!

Our one-step Autumn tradition

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree, 4 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup oil, 3 cups flour, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves.

Directions:

Blend all ingredients until smooth, then divide into muffin cups. Leave room for muffin to rise, don't fill it up. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Ingredients: 2 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup milk, 3 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 cup grated apple.

Directions: Blend all ingredients except apple until smooth, then fold in apple and divide into muffin cups. Leave room for muffin to rise, don't fill it up. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Sweet Potato Muffins

Ingredients: 1 cup mashed sweet potato, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon.

Directions: Blend all ingredients until smooth, then divide into muffin cups. Leave room for muffin to rise, don't fill it up. Then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 tbsp grated orange zest, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 cups cranberries, 1 cup chopped nuts (optional).

Directions: Blend all ingredients until smooth, then divide into muffin cups. Leave room for muffin to rise, don't fill it up. Then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Muffins

Ingredients: 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1 cups chopped pecans, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, 2/3 cup melted butter, 2 eggs.

Here is the small trouble to fancy up these muffins:

Buttercream Icing

Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 4 cups powdered sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 3-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture may appear dry at this point.
3. Add the salt, vanilla, and 3 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it's too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
4. Taste the frosting and adjust the flavoring as needed.
5. I skip the piping and just smear my way to victory, covering the muffin with buttercream.