Morning Glory Muffins

These muffins are hippie muffins.  Seriously, if these muffins were people these would groove in drum circles, smoke pot, attend anti-war candle light vigils and always be in need a haircut and/or shower.  Despite all that, these muffins are like totally delicious, man.  They've got lots of goodness in them, just like hippies, despite their somewhat less than refined appearance.  A lot of the sweetness and moisture comes from the grated apples, carrots and raisins.  And some walnuts for crunch.

One ingredient in the original recipe that is conspicuously absent here is shredded coconut.  Shredded coconut ranks only slightly higher than celery on my list of most hated foods.  I actually like fresh coconut, but when it is dried and shredded it is so far distant from it's original state as to be practically unidentifiable.

 Check out that wholesome goodness.  It doesn't get more back-to-the-earth than that.  I must admit I was a bit skeptical when I was looking at the batter.  I mean, it has vegetables in it.  And the batter isn't very exciting, but the result is great, which is odd because usually the dough is better (i.e. sugar cookies).  Actually, I think these are better after a day rather than right out of the oven because the moistness in the apples and raisins keeps soaking through the rest of the muffin.  Agian, this is odd, usually fresh out of the oven is best.  Overall a bit weird, just like hippies so I rest my point.  Seriously though, these are super tasty so make them and enjoy!

Morning Glory Muffins

1/2 cup raisins
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsps baking soda
2 tsps cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups carrots, peeled and grated
1 large tart apple, peeled, cored, and grated
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup orange juice

1. Soak raisins in hot water.
2. Mix eggs, oil, applesauce, vanilla and orange juice in a large bowl.
3. Add flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Stir until combined.
4. Drain raisins and fold in to batter along with the carrots, apple, and walnuts.
5. Fill a lightly greased mini-muffin tin so the batter is slightly heaped above the top of each muffin well.
6. Bake in a 375°F oven for 12 - 14 minutes.

Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/morning-glory-muffins-recipe
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