Monday, August 2, 2010

ZUCCHINI-CRANBERRY MUFFINS

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Muffins are my go-to dessert when I have to have a sweet.  Sweets are becoming less a part of my life as my blood-sugar problems intensify.  This muffin is more like a breakfast muffin than a dessert muffin, since it’s not overly sweet.  Zucchini and applesauce lend moistness and flavor, and the craisins, walnuts and spices round everything out to make a muffin that is very light, slightly spicy, fruity and crunchy.  I’ll be making these again to be sure.
Zucchini Cranberry Muffins
Adapted from Simply Recipes
Rating:  9.5 out of 10
PRINTABLE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
1 jumbo egg
3/4 cup sugar (I used 1/2 cup brown sugar + 1 Tbsp. NuNaturals Stevia)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup melted butter (I used 2 Tbsp. Smart Balance 50/50 + 1/2 cup applesauce)
1 tsp. baking soda
big pinch sea salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1-1/2 cups flour (I used 3/4 cup white whole wheat, 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose)
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
1-1/2 cups finely grated zucchini (grate on large holes of box grater, then chop)

Heat oven to 400F.  Set out a 12-cup muffin tin.  Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray, or line with paper cups.

In medium bowl, whisk together egg, sugar, vanilla and melted butter.  Sprinkle baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon over mixture and whisk in.  Using a spatula or spoon, gradually add flour, gently stirring only till barely combined.  Fold in walnuts, cranberries and zucchini, being careful not to overmix.

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, using about 1/4 cup for each.  Place pan in oven, close door and immediately reduce heat to 325F.  Bake 17-20 minutes, or till a toothpick inserted near center returns with just a few crumbs.  Yield:  12 muffins
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8 comments:

Barbara Bakes said...

I make muffins for breakfast almost every weekend. I'll have to give this one a try.

MelindaRD said...

These sounds amazing. I personally love any baked good with cranberries inside.

Juliana said...

Judy, these muffins sound and look delicious, love the ingredients in it...zucchini, cranberries and walnut...yummie!

Katy ~ said...

This is a combination I never would have thought of in a hundred years, but it certainly does sound YUMMY. Will have to give these a try since zucchini season is upon us. What a delicious way to use them. Thanks!

teresa said...

what a great way to start the day! they look delicious!

Dan said...

Thanks for the recipe. I just finished making these earlier today and they're fabulous. And a great way to use up my leftover zucchini.

Judy said...

Dan, thanks so much for your feedback on these muffins. Glad they worked for you.

Judy said...

Dan, thanks so much for your feedback on these muffins. Glad they worked for you.