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Morning Glory Muffins

Maybe I should own two cooling racks.

I think I originally started making these muffins as a way to use up leftover flaked coconut, since I don't make a lot of coconut things and I get antsy when I notice that there's a half a bag sitting in the freezer for months with no plan. Now, when I make these, it's only 50% to use up leftover coconut, and the other 50% is because they're really good. 

I started with this recipe, which is delicious, but has too much sugar and oil for my liking. I have slowly mucked with the recipe to get it to its current healthier state. It is presently healthy enough that I enjoy eating them without guilt, but they also still taste good enough to make them for other people. I loved these at all hours of the day post-baby, so I like to make these for people who are home with new babies. If I go too much further with the healthification (taking away more sugar and adding flaxseed and bran and oats), I'm not sure they will be suited to give as gifts to other people anymore.

I actually like this version better than the original recipe. I think it was the applesauce substitution that gave it a lightness that I was craving.

The change to brown sugar was an accident, and it happened when I opened a bag of white sugar and found out that it was infested with ants. Gross. But it was a good accident, because the brown sugar in it is really good.


The Recipe: (makes about 16 muffins)
2c whole wheat flour
1 1/2 c brown sugar
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/2 c applesauce
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 c shredded carrots (I just food-process them into tiny pieces)
1 apple, also food-processed into tiny pieces
1/2 c raisins
1/2 c unsweetened flaked coconut
  • Combine wet ingredients.
  • Add dry ingredients.
  • Fold in carrots, apple, raisins, and coconut.
  • Put in muffin tins and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

The Verdict:
Overall grade: A
Overall reason: Delicious and substantial-tasting, for a muffin
Time to prepare: 40 minutes 
Husband quote: (singing)"I like to eat, eat, eat, apple and carrot and raisin muffins... Did I get it right?" 
Me: "Yes, and there's one more ingredient."
Husband: "Onion?"
Me: "No. But it's white like onion..."
Husband: "It's thin like onion... It's crunchy like onion..."



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