Sunshine Muffins

These muffins are made with oats and grated carrots. They don't contain flour, dairy or added sugars. Instead, I used avocado as a butter substitute and dried cranberries instead of sugar or honey. I stirred in chopped/grounded almonds with the oats and used an egg and some almond milk to bind the mixture together. An egg-free version of this recipe can easily be made using flaxseed and water.

One muffin only has 116 calories so they are a perfect snack. A couple will make an ideal breakfast on the go. Alternatively, if eaten in the evening, before bed, they may help with a better night's sleep as oats and almonds contain magnesium which has been found to be associated with deeper, less-interrupted sleep. Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, making them a great substitute for foods high in saturated fat. They also contain magnesium which is good for bone health and muscle and nerve function, in addition to assisting with sleep. Vitamin A deficiencies can also cause sleep problems, but eggs are high in vitamin A, as are carrots!

Sunshine Muffins
Makes 12
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 28g / 1oz almonds
- 200g / 7oz old fashioned oats
- 40g / 1.4oz cranberries, dried
- 180g / 6.4oz carrot, grated
- 1tsp baking powder
- 120g / 4oz / 1 medium avocado
- 1 egg
- 60ml / 2floz unsweetened almond milk

Method:
First using a food processor grind the almonds, or you can finely chop them.

Add to a mixing bowl along with the oats, cranberries, grated carrot and baking powder.

Using a food processor or hand-held blender, mix the avocado, egg and milk.

Add to the bowl and stir to combine all ingredients.

Spoon into cake cases and bake for 20 minutes at 195C / 375F degrees.

Allow to cool on a wire rack. ENJOY!

Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Nutritional Information: