Morning Muffin…….again…and the dog park!

I have been on a tinkering quest with this morning muffin. You know the one, with the pineapple, coconuts, applesauce, carrots one? Yeah. That one. Well, I think I have tweaked it enough to satisfy enough nutritionists on the West Coast, to say the least.

Here is what I have decided is delicious and nutritious. Tell me what you think!

MORNING MUFFINS

1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. baking powder

1 cup applesauce
2 cups grated carrots

1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/2 cup seedless raisins
1 cup chopped walnut
2 cups all purpose flour (or use 1 cup AP and 1 cup whole wheat)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (I sometimes use 1/4 cup or use agave)
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated
3/4 cup chopped pineapple
3 eggs
8 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
1 TBSP freshly squeezed lemon juice (sometimes I go for two)
3/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut

Preheat oven to 350F. Oil or butter your 12 cup muffin tin.

Place raisins in a small bowl and cover with hot tap water. Let sit for 10 minute while raisins plump, then strain and squeeze out excess liquid with your hands. Set aside.

Place walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let cool, then chop coarsely and set aside. (If I’m in a hurry I skip, but it IS better toasted)

Sift four, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, powder and salt into a medium bowl. Mix gently with a wooden spoon and set aside.

In a separate medium bowl, combine raisins, walnuts, carrot, apple, pineapple, eggs, canola oil, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract and coconut; mix with a wooden spoon until combined.

Add the dry ingredients and continue stirring just until all the dry ingredients are moistened. It’s important not to over mix. Scoop batter into oiled muffin tin, filling the cups to the top.

Bake on the center rack of the oven for 40-45 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes, then slide a fork down the sides of each muffin and gently lift it from the pan.

Makes One Dozen.

OK gang so here is that recipe and you have to let me know which you like best. (I have made with molasses and honey for the sugar to make super healthy but it was a tie!!)  And this distribution at the dog park…..woof woof…..will have to take a count of happy tails! ;-)

Bon Appetit!