Today was a normal day, with errands and housework in the morning, followed by fun in the library and at the park. Somewhere between the park and the after school pick-up I started feeling a little off emotionally. The news about Ukraine and Barbies were weighing heavily on my mind. I HAD to do something to de-stress. That’s when I usually head to the kitchen. No, not to eat– to bake! 25 minutes later my toddler was happily chewing the fruit of my labor. Except there was no labor involved, these muffins are fast and easy: no special tools required. I considered the smell of freshly mashed strawberries to be aromatherapy. They turned out light and fluffy, with very little oil and sugar. Totally lifted my spirits.
Ingredients:
wet ingredients
1 cup mashed strawberries (I used my mini-chopper because I wanted a more uniform texture. They can be also mashed with a potato masher or a fork)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk (I used 2%)
1/3 cup canola oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cups white sugar
dry ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
Turbinado sugar for sprinkling on the top (optional)
Method:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.
– Mix wet and dry ingredients in two separate bowls.
– Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Important: do not mix too much or the muffins will be rubbery instead of fluffy. A few specks of flour is fine.
– Fill the muffin tin 3/4 full. Sprinkle Turbinado sugar over the top of each muffin (optional).
– Bake for 18-20 minutes until they look done (that’s what I do when I am being lazy) a toothpick comes out dry.
Let cool in the pan a few minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack. Enjoy responsibly (they are addictive).
What do you do when you need quick a pick-me -up?
Sharing at Attagirl Says.
Hi Mila! These look so good and the healthy aspect is wonderful. Baking is relaxing for me too. I can forget everything and sort of lose myself. Thank heavens we have someplace that gives us that peace. Enjoy your weekend!
You are right, Ann: baking is very therapeutic. And the family gets to enjoy the benefits (with an occasional flop, when it gets too creative and free-form in the kitchen:) )!
These sound delicious! I’m always looking to add to my healthy baking recipe box! Going to pin these on my muffin board!
I think a low-fat home-made muffin is not a bad substitute for a granola bar, even a better kind of GB. It may be actually healthier. I serve them as snacks rather than dessert. I hope you give them a try soon 🙂