Welcome to my crazy world of real food cooking ...

Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants. -- Michael Pollan

I wish I could take credit for that because I think it sums up how we should eat. Simply -- eat stuff that really is food, instead of stuff that is food like substance. The supermarket is almost entirely food-like-substances, and, my friends, you should probably never ever eat them.

Fortunately, there is a world of deliciousness out there, and it can all be had in a way that not only doesn't harm your health, but in a way that benefits you hugely.

I think it's important to eat stuff that satisfies you, that keeps your blood sugar stable, and that gives you stuff your body really needs to run optimally.

But baby, it's gotta taste good.

I really like getting experimental in the kitchen. I love cooking, I love layering flavours, and I love coming up with really super yummy food. I have very strong opinions about what constitutes food, and there are a lot of things I won't touch in the kitchen. Bottom line? Pretty much everything I make is ridiculously good for you even if it tastes decadent. Although there are occasional big fat cheats ... but even those stick to real food, my friends.

For food that is usual gluten free, usually free of cane sugar, usually super low on the glycemic index, full of protein, fiber, flavour, and excellent energy, join me and Alice down the rabbit hole.

Every recipe on this blog is my own original effort and idea, so please pass 'em on, giving credit where credit is due.

Many thanks, and come back often. I'm really glad you are here!

:)

Saturday, 20 November 2010

Caramel-Apple Date Muffins -- More Saturday Morning Muffins ...



I've probably posted too many photos of these cute little caramel-apple muffins. But the photos were so ... sexy. I just couldn't help myself. Saturday morning again, so we wanted to whip up a batch before music class, so we'd have something to share with friends. One of our friends who would be eating them on Sunday is allergic to milk, so we wanted to make something dairy free. I love dates in muffins, they get so soft and creamy, but I found with the sweetness of the caramel-apple on top, and the coconut sugar in the muffin, that the dates are a little much for me. But I'll admit to neither having a sweet tooth nor liking sweets over much. I definitely prefer a savoury snack. However, if you have a sweet tooth, or like a sweet with your coffee or for dessert, these really are winning. Colin loves them. He thinks they are the greatest thing since last week's Vegan Brownies. And he's not a date lover. He's not even a date liker. 

And without further ado, here's the delicious recipe for caramel-apple date muffins:


ingredients:

1 1/2 cups filtered water
1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1 1/2 tsp ground vanilla
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 xl organic eggs
1/2 cup coconut sugar

1 tsp ceylon cinnamon
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup flax meal
1/4 cup shelled hemp seeds (whole without the shell)
1/2 - 3/4 tsp sea salt

2 cups almond flour (JK Gourmet is our favourite)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup kamut flour (finely milled pastry flour, whole grain)

1 large organic apple, quartered and cored (we used royal gala)
24 honey dates

extra coconut sugar for topping


directions:

preheat oven to 345

1. take 2 quarters of the apple and thinly slice to top the 24 muffins and set aside
2. finely chop the remaining 2 quarters of the apple and set aside
3. finely chop the dates and set aside
4. warm the water slightly to melt the coconut oil
5. combine the water, coconut oil, vinegar, coconut sugar, and eggs
6. stir in the vanilla, cinnamons, and sea salt
7. add the flax meal and hemp seeds
8. stir in the almond flour
9. mix in the baking soda
10. stir in the kamut flour, mixing lightly until just combined
11. add the dates, stir
12. add the chopped apples, stir
13. scoop the batter into prepared muffin cups
14. top each cup with a thin slice of apple and a (generous) sprinkle of coconut sugar
15. bake for 35 minutes at 345 degrees in the upper half of the oven
16. after you have removed the muffins from the oven, allow the muffins to sit in the cups for a few minutes before removing them. If you try to remove them immediately, they will be too fragile. If you leave them in too long, they will sweat.
17. don't forget to drool over my naughty muffin pictures.




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