It's a beautiful morning!

Mornings are my favorite time of day. Rising early before the sun comes up, watching the stars fade, hearing the birds start to sing before it is light. Of course, in order to enjoy all this I have to actually get up and that, as we all know, is the hard part.

This recipe should help make your morning a little easier. Chocked full of goodies like raisins, carrots and bananas, they give you a pep in your step. Make these up the night before and pop a couple in the toaster to warm as you make a cup of Joe. Take them both outside and snuggle up on your porch under a blanket and watch the world shake off the bonds of sleep, stretch and rise.

 

Healthy Morning Muffins

(courtesy of Everyday Foods)

 

 

Makes 12 * Prep time:10 Min * Total time: 35 Min

 

1 1/4 Cups AP flour                                             4 medium carrots, shredded

1/2 Cup packed dark-brown sugar                       1 Cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 teaspoon baking soda                                     1/2 Cup raisins

1/2 teaspoon baking powder                                 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg                                             1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt                                        1/3 Cup skim milk

                                                                              1 medium banana, smashed

 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 12- cup muffin pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg and salt until there are no more lumps. Stir in oats and raisins. Add oil, egg, milk, carrots and banana and stir until blended.
2. Fill each muffin cup with 1/4 Cup batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean, 23-25 minutes. Serve muffins warm or at room temperature. To store, keep in an airtight container, up to 3 days.

per muffin: 186 cal; 4.7 g fat (0.8 g sat fat); 3.6 g protein; 33.9 g carb; 2.2 g fiber