Healthy Applesauce Carrot Muffins

We love to eat muffins for breakfast or snacks but I've been looking for recipes that use little to no sugar.  This is a great one I've made a few times and will definitely make again.  I usually have all of these ingredients on hand so I can make these without any forethought.  I originally saw this recipe on the 100 Days of Real Food blog but more recently found it at Mels Kitchen Cafe where she made some modifications that made me like these even more.

Healthy Applesauce Carrot Muffins

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3/4 cup finely shredded carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the butter, honey, egg, vanilla, and applesauce.
4. Stir ingredients together until just combined and there are still some spots of flour remaining.
5. Fold in the shredded carrots just until combined (don't overmix or the muffins will be dense).
6. Distribute the batter evenly among the muffin liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins freeze wonderfully and keep well if covered at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Chewy S'mores Granola Bars

In my quest to replace processed snack foods with homemade/healthier versions, I was excited to find this granola bar recipe at My Recipe Magic.  I adapted the recipe slightly and came up with these delicious granola bars that my kids gobbled right up.  You could definitely leave out the chocolate chips (and I suppose even the marshmallows) for a healthier treat.  I doubled this recipe and it filled a 9x13 pan.

Chewy S'mores Granola Bars

 

• 1/4 cup butter (I substituted coconut oil.)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (These were plenty sweet so next time I might even half this.)
• 2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (I used regular.)

1. In a large bowl, stir oats, rice cereal, and mini marshmallows together. Set aside.
2. In a small pot, melt butter (or coconut oil), honey, and brown sugar together over medium high heat until it comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and cook 3 minutes. Pour in vanilla and stir.
4. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well to coat.
5. Pour into an 8x8 baking dish (or 9x13 if doubling), lined with wax paper and lightly greased. Cover with another sheet of wax paper and press down really well, just like you're making Rice Krispie treats.
6. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and press down lightly.
7. Let cool to room temperature for two hours or until the chocolate chips are set before cutting into bars.