Low Fat Carrot Coconut Muffins

Urban Organic, which I mentioned in my last post, sends me carrots every single delivery. Needless to say, I am having to come up with interesting ways to use all my carrots. I came up with these wonderful low fat muffins. I used almond flour but you can use any kind of nut flour you like. This is a great way to boost the protein in muffins.

These muffins are great for kids, having very little sugar and virtually no fat. Instead of soaking the dried fruit in port, you can soak it in orange juice if you prefer. These are tasty, healthful muffins for everyone and very simple to make.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup dried fruit peel
1 cup port (or orange juice)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup natural applesauce (unsweetened)
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup almond flour (or any nut flour - soy flour or oat flour are also good substitutions)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup grated carrots (about 3 average sized carrots)
1/4 cup grated coconut (use natural unsweetened coconut - not the flaked stuff)

Directions:
Soak dried fruits in port for 1/2 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Sift all the dry ingredients into a large bowl.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, blend sugar and egg together until well blended, about 3 minutes.
Add half of the dry ingredients. Mix until well blended. Add the applesauce and vanilla. Mix until blended. Add the rest of the dry ingredients. Mix until well blended.
Using a rubber spatula, fold in carrots, dry fruit and coconut until thoroughly combined.
Spray muffin pan with non-stick spray or use paper muffin cups. Fill muffin pan about 2/3 fill with batter and bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
I use mini muffins tins to help control the size of the muffin and a great way to use portion control for us adults to control our caloric intake. These are not the HUGE muffins you get in deli's and bakeries.

Enjoy and watch the kids love this healthy version of a muffin!! Please try this recipe and let me know your feedback!!



Chef Mireille
http://www.globaltasteinc.com
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