By now, carrot, parsnip, and other root crop supplies are winding down for the spring. But before we say goodbye, why not use them in one creative, less obvious method? These muffins make a healthy breakfast option that includes additional nutritional benefits with ground flax seeds and golden raisins. Or, for a special celebration, turn them into cupcakes with a maple cream cheese frosting. For those of you who must hide vegetables to get picky kids or stubborn adults to eat them, this should help too.
Parsnip and Carrot Muffins
Ingredients
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3 eggs
1/2 cup yogurt
1/4 vegetable oil + more for greasing
3/4 cups maple syrup + a splash more
1/2 cup grated parsnips
3/4 cup grated carrots
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a muffin pan with vegetable oil or use muffin liners.
Place the chopped almonds and the splash of maple syrup in a small pan over medium heat. Cook until the nuts are well coated, then remove to a plate to cool slightly.
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
Whisk the eggs, yogurt, vegetable oil, and maple syrup in a large mixing bowl until combined. Add the flour mixture, carrots, and parsnips, and fold with a spatula until all of the flour is moistened. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
Sprinkle the top of each muffin with the maple almonds (you’ll probably have to break them up a bit if they’ve cooled for long)—Bake for 20 minutes for regular-sized muffins or 8 minutes for mini. Either way, check and rotate the pans halfway through baking. Check with a toothpick for doneness. Cool for 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm.