Life Stuff...: Carrot-Apple Muffins....tasty and good for you too!

Carrot-Apple Muffins
Gluten free and low in added sugar!

In the past I have admitted to having a sweet tooth, which of course I attribute to genetics...coming from a long line of bakers and all! (lol!) The bottom line is that I love to bake. Unfortunately, most pastry items are made with refined white flour and plenty of sugar. Health-wise I strive to eat a balanced diet including natural wholesome ingredients, and over the past few years I've been trying to cut back on refined carbohydrates and added sugar. Therefore, traditional recipes often present a challenge for me.

I wanted a muffin that tasted good, satisfied my sweet tooth, and scored well on my nutrition checklist (whole grains, little or no wheat, low in added sugar, essential fats, good source of vitamins & minerals...) too!

And here it is.... Carrot-Apple Muffins! I have been trying to mix up the grains I use, so this one is made with oat flour, (so it is gluten free too!) The carrots, apple, and raisins add natural sweetness so there is very little added sugar in this recipe. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family did too!

Apple-Carrot Muffins
Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups oat flour (just put rolled oats in a food processor or blender to make your own)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves (optional)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

2 eggs
1/4 coconut or vegetable oil
1/4 cup brown sugar OR 3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup grated carrots
1 shredded apple (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Directions:
1. In a medium sized bowl combine dry ingredients and blend together with a whisk.

A quick and inexpensive way to make oat flour is to pulse rolled oats in a blender or processor!

2 Add optional nuts and raisins to dry ingredients and stir to combine.

3. In a second bowl slightly beat the eggs , add oil, maple syrup (or sugar), vanilla. Add carrots and apple.

To prepare carrots....

Peel and chop carrots,cover with water and pulse.

Drain carrots in a sieve

Use a box grater to shred the apple. Peel on or off.

4. Make a well in the dry ingredients. Add the liquid ingredients and stir just until combined.

5. Fill prepared muffin tins or papers to the top and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. A tooth pick, when inserted in the middle should come out clean.