Pumpkin Carrot Muffins
I am one of those pumpkin obsessed people, I like it all! Pumpkin risotto, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin desserts and of course pumpkin spice lattes. I even have pumpkin decorations all over my house. I pick up fresh veggies from a local farm every other week and lately I have been getting a lot of pumpkin, squashes, and carrots, tis the season. I decided to bake a healthy treat using both pumpkin and carrot, which means lots of vitamin A (specifically beta-carotene).
What is beta-carotene?
It is a precursor to vitamin A, which means it gets converted into vitamin A in your body. We need vitamin A for healthy skin, eye health, and immune health. Beta-carotene is also a powerful antioxidant that helps combat disease and reduce inflammation in the body. Its pigmentation gives different fruits and veggies their orange colour.
Enjoy these super tasty and nutritious orange muffins, they are rich in fibre, healthy fats, and vitamin A. They make for a perfect addition to your breakfast or a great on the go snack option.
Ingredients:
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup pumpkin purée
1 and 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3 tbsp. hemp seeds
2 tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt or plain Greek yogurt
2 eggs
2 tsp. pumpkin spice
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Pinch of salt
Directions:
Grate carrots and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 F and grease muffin pan (I use silicone muffin tins)
In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and powder, hemp seeds, pumpkin spice, pecans and salt.
In a separate bowl mix together eggs, coconut oil, coconut yogurt, and carrots and pumpkin. Pour liquid mixture into dry mixture and mix well. Note: the mixture will be a thick batter.
Using a spatula fold in dark chocolate chips.
Bake for 23-25 minutes or until golden brown.
I like to think eating seasonally provides our bodies with the nutrients it needs most. Vitamin A and C (found in pumpkin, squash, and carrots) help support our immune system, which tends to be in overdrive during cold and flu season.
Cheers to happy and healthy eating!
Until next time,
Eat Right Feel Right - Angela XO
