Thursday, December 29, 2011

Apple Almond Butter Muffins

The New Year is approaching.

Every time this year, it never fails, I feel the urge to go on a diet.

It may or may not have everything to do with
a) all of the diet commercials on the radio,
b) the gym membership and weight watchers mail I just took out of my mailbox, or
c) the 4 lbs I may or may not have gained over the holidays.

Extra emphasis on the may not.

I'm relying on the power of positive thinking.

Well the good news is, these muffins have 3 healthy-for-you ingredients.

Apples. Greek Yogurt. And Almond butter.

As always with my baking, please ignore the sugar and butter in the recipe when counting your calories.

Thankyou.


For all you almond butter haters out there, don't.freak.out.

While some Almond butters are gritty and stick to the roof of your mouth, I have found one that is delicious and wil allow you to keep your butt on the healthy boat.

Justin's Maple Almond Butter. [From Target.]


Or, you can just feel free to use peanut butter.

I won't tell a soul.

Mix up a batch of these to eat while you jog your tush to a skinny New Year.


Apple Almond Butter Muffins


5 Tbsp. butter, softened
1/3 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
1/3 cup greek yogurt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cane sugar
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 large apple, grated on a box grater

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line 12 muffin cups with liners and spray liners lightly with cooking spray.

2. With an electric mixer, mix butter, almond butter, and greek yogurt until creamy and smooth. Add eggs, one at a time. Add sugar, and mix until creamy on medium speed for 3-5 minutes.

3. While mixing, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients in mixer and mix until creamed througout.

4. Add apple (and juice from grating).

5. Bake for 23-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Enjoy these fluffy, good-for-you muffins!

"Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old." Psalm 25:6 (NIV)