Orange pumpkin muffins

These spiced muffins are quick to make, make the house smell great, and are light and moist with a hint of citrus.

3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup applesauce
4 eggs, beaten
4 cups pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 cup raisins (opt)

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger and cloves.

In a large bowl, mix sugar, oil, applesauce, and eggs. Stir in pumpkin, orange rind, and raisins (opt). Slowly blend the flour mixture into pumpkin mixture. Pour the batter into muffin cups, filling 2/3 full, or two loaf pans. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 30 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pans.

Freeze very well!