My dream job would be to work for Cook's Illustrated (or somewhere similar) and test recipes all day long. It would be awesome to have unlimited resources and to bake batch after batch of cookies/brownies/cakes/muffins until finally getting it perfect. I have this terrible condition that makes it damn near impossible for me to make a recipe as it is written. I'm always tweaking things, substituting ingredients, trying to make it healthier - and most of the time the results are less-than stellar. If only I had the time and resources to make a test batch for everything.

This recipe is based on one from Simply Recipes. I made it a little healthier by adding some fiber and reducing and changing the fat. As usual, the first batch I made was disappointing. I tried using a combination of molasses and brown sugar as the sweetener, but it wasn't sweet enough and I didn't really like the molasses flavor. I also added some plain yogurt but later realized there was really no need for it. The second batch turned out much better, and I knew it even before the muffins went into the oven - the batter was delicious. Yummy batter is always a good sign. The end result was moist and perfectly spiced, with sweet, plump raisins and crunchy pecans. This will definitely be my go-to muffin recipe for the season.