Morning Glories

As I was at the local farmer store I started to take note and day dream of what plants I needed in the yard this year. This led me to thinking about morning glories. Morning glories were first found in China and used for medicine. The seeds of this plant have laxative properties. The Japanese cultivated the plant as an ornamental flower. Many varieties have come to be. Morning glories symbolize summer in Japanese horticulture and art. 

Morning Glory Muffins

1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 (15.2 oz) pkg cinnamon streusel muffin mix
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice
3/4 cup grated peeled Granny Smith apple
3/4 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/2 cup raisins
Vegetable cooking spray
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspon grated lemon rind
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Whisk together first 3 ingredients until blended.
Stir together contents of muffin mix packet and cinnamon in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Add egg mixture, pineapple, and next 4 ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
Place baking cups in muffin pan. Spray with cooking spray. Spoon batter into cups, filling two-thirds full. Sprinkle evenly with reserved streusel packet.
Bake at 425 degrees for 18 to 23 minutes or until golden. Cool in pans on wire racks 5 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on wire racks.
Stir together powdered sugar, lemon rind, and lemon juice until smooth, and drizzle over tops of muffins.