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The Ultimate Healthy Morning Glory Muffins: A Delicious Start to Your Day

Muffins have long been a beloved breakfast staple, known for their convenience, versatility, and comforting flavours. Among the myriad of muffin options, Morning Glory Muffins stand out as a wonderfully nutritious choice that combines an array of wholesome ingredients. Bursting with flavour and packed with nutrients, these muffins make for the perfect healthy breakfast or snack. Let’s delve into what makes the Ultimate Healthy Morning Glory Muffins so special.

What are Morning Glory Muffins?

Originally created in the 1980s at a restaurant in Nantucket, Morning Glory Muffins are renowned for their vibrant mix of fruits, vegetables, and spices. They typically include shredded carrots, apples, and nuts, along with a hint of cinnamon and other seasonings. The result is a delightful blend of sweet and savoury, providing an ideal energy boost to fuel your morning.

Healthy Ingredients

The Ultimate Healthy Morning Glory Muffins incorporate a variety of ingredients that not only contribute to their delicious taste but also enhance their nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

1. Whole Wheat Flour: Using whole wheat flour instead of refined flour increases the fibre content, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer.

2. Natural Sweeteners: Instead of refined sugars, these muffins use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which provide a more wholesome source of sweetness.

3. Shredded Carrots: A classic ingredient, carrots add moisture, natural sweetness, and a healthy dose of beta-carotene, important for eye health and immune function.

4. Apples: Freshly grated apple not only flavours the muffins but also contributes additional fibre and vitamin C.

5. Nuts and Seeds: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and healthy fats, making the muffins more satisfying. Chia seeds or flaxseeds can also be included for an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids.

6. Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance flavour while providing antioxidant properties. These spices can help regulate blood sugar and improve digestion.

7. Unsweetened Applesauce or Yogurt: Adding unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt keeps the muffins moist and reduces the need for excess oil or butter, thus lowering the overall fat content.

The Recipe

Now that we’ve explored the healthy ingredients that make these muffins special, here’s a simple recipe for you to try at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 apple, grated (about 1 cup)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the grated carrots, grated apple, nuts, chia or flaxseeds (if using), honey or maple syrup, applesauce or yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5. Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

6. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean.

7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Healthy Morning Glory Muffins are not just a breakfast option; they’re a delightful way to start your day with a burst of nutrition. Their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, coupled with the satisfaction of wholesome ingredients, makes them an irresistible treat that both adults and children will enjoy. So why not bake a batch this weekend and experience the delightful taste of a healthy morning? Your mornings will never be the same!