Morning Glory Muffins

These are the perfect muffins - not overly sweet, loaded with healthy goodies, and moist. I'll be making these many times.

Morning Glory Muffins
from A Sweet Spoonful

For Crumble Topping:
1/3 cup (30g) oats
1/4 cup (30g) whole wheat pastry flour
3 tablespoons natural cane sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Muffins:
1 cup (120g) whole wheat pastry flour
2/3 cup (90g) all purpose flour
1/2 cup (50g) rolled oats
1/2 cup (110g) unrefined cane sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons whole milk
6 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 small orange (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 cup small diced apple (from 1 small apple, cored and peeled)
1 cup (125g) grated carrots (from 2 small or 1 large carrot)
1/2 cup (70g) raisins
1/2 cup (50g) chopped walnuts

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two flours, oats, sugar, baking powder and baking soda, spices and salt.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, yogurt, milk, coconut oil and vanilla extract. Fold in orange zest, apple, carrots, raisins and walnuts.

Scoop batter into 12 paper-lined muffin tins, filling each almost to the top. Spoon crumble filling on top.

Bake for 25-27 minutes, or until muffins are golden brown around the edges and feel firm to the touch, even in the center. Let cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Muffins will keep for 2 days if stored covered at room temperature.

Double Chocolate Dream Cookies

My mom and I put together a cookbook before I started this blog. We gave them to family and friends. It turns out my sister makes these cookies all the time, and I was suprised to learn they weren't already on my blog. The trick is just not to overbake these so they stay fudgey.

Double Chocolate Dream Cookies

2 1⁄4 c. flour
1 c. packed brown sugar
1⁄2 c. cocoa
3⁄4 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1⁄2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 c. butter, softened
2 c. chocolate chips or chunks

Combine flour, cocoa, soda and salt in small bowl. In large bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, sugar, and vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add eggs; beat for 2 minutes. Gradually add in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoonful on baking sheet or stone. Bake in 375 ̊ oven for 8-10 minutes.

Chocolate Coconut Balls

The only packaged snack I buy is Larabars, just for eating on-the-go. They are made mainly with dates and nuts and all the other ingredients are ones you know. I don't like all the flavors, but Peanut Butter Chocolate, Cherry, and Coconut Chocolate are my favorites. There are so many Larabar-like recipes floating around right now. These ones are particularly good.

Chocolate Coconut Balls
http://paleomg.com/double-chocolate-energy-bites/

1 cup almond butter
1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
8-10 Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup chocolate chips or small chopped chocolate
1/4 cup flaxseed meal
4 tablespoons raw honey
2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a food processor. Process until everything is broken down and well mixed. Add chocolate and pulse a few times.

Shape dough into bite size balls. Put in the refrigerator until firm and store the balls there.

Buckwheat Pancakes

The buckwheat crepes I posted before are a favorite of mine. I haven't found many other recipes using buckwheat flour, but this one for pancakes is excellent. I grind my own buckwheat flour using a flour mill.

Buckwheat Pancakes
adapted from Mountain Mama Cooks

1 cup whole grain buckwheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 cup whole milk
1 egg, separated
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons melted butter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the buckwheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cardamon; set aside.

In a small bowl mix together the milk, egg yolk, maple syrup, vanilla extract and melted butter. Mix the liquid ingredients into the dry until just combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until soft peaks form. Fold the egg white into the batter.

Heat a griddle over medium heat. Coat the pan lightly with butter or coconut oil. Pour the batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form. Flip the pancake and cook one or two more minutes until brown.

Deodorant

I've been using this recipe for body deodorant for several years now. To apply, I get a small glob on my finger, and if needed, wait till it melts a little to help distribute it.

Body Deodorant
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
5 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
10 drops essential oils (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Store in a glass jar or other convenient container.