{This is part of a compensated campaign with Duda Farms Fresh Foods}
Despite the fact that there are vegetables my kids absolutely refuse to have in the vicinity of their meal, I can’t complain. How many kids do you know that ask to make their very own salad for lunch? For many parents, getting their children to eat vegetables is a challenge. We started very early on when our children were infants and persisted through the rejection phase until their palates were accustomed to eating fresh vegetables. And for those foods they still refuse to eat, we get creative.
I’m not one to hide foods in my children’s meals because I believe in being truthful and transparent with them. So when I told my kids I would be making a “healthy” muffin, I got mixed feedback. My daughter was very much into mommy’s healthy muffins, but my son heard that word and headed straight to the pantry for a bowl of cereal. Since we have a “you must try it at least once” rule in our home, each of my children started their day off with one of my Vegan Carrot Radish Muffins. It’s amazing what a touch of applesauce, natural sweeteners and some spices can do to enhance and bring out the flavors of root vegetables like carrots and radishes.
You’re probably wondering why in the world I’d even broach such an ambitious baking venture and I probably broke all kinds of rules in doing so. It almost felt like an episode of Iron Chef where they create all types of dishes from a single ingredient. The reality is that root vegetables can be used in sweet or savory dishes. One of the most flavorful juices I’ve had is available at a small local natural market and includes a mix of green vegetables, apples, ginger, and radishes. To offset the sweetness of traditional morning muffins, I used shredded carrots and diced Radish MiniSticks and the result was a moist, delicious muffin that we all can feel good about eating.
Here is my Vegan Carrot Radish Muffins Recipe:
- 1 cup of white whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons organic cane sugar
- 3/4 cup walnuts chopped
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup agave nectar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/2 cup almond milk yogurt I used plain
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup shredded carrots approximately 2
- 1/2 cup Radish MiniSticks chopped
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Combine dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and set aside
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Mix together agave nectar, apple sauce, yogurt, water, and vanilla
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Fold flour mixture into liquid mixture and stir to combine (don't over-mix)
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Add shredded carrots and Radish MiniSticks
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Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean
Apart from it’s nutty, colorful appearance, the muffin doesn’t scream radishes or carrots. Rather, the flavor profiles are subtle, enhanced by the spices I used in this recipe. The best kind of muffins (in my opinion) are hearty and full of flavor. Rather than weigh us all down (the muffins included), I used vegetables and applesauce to give this muffin substance and flavor without adding unnecessary fat and calories. I think the result was quite delicious.
Since this is a sweet muffin recipe (as opposed to a savory recipe), I endeavored to make a complementary citrus glaze at the request of my husband. I don’t traditionally eat glazed or frosted muffins since I try to be careful about how much sugar I’m consuming but my husband absolutely loved it. Because it had to be vegan, it didn’t have the consistency I was looking for (perhaps next time I’ll use a non-dairy cream cheese). If you’re looking for an easy citrus glaze, simply combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon each of orange and lemon zest.
If you’re looking for Duda Farms Fresh Foods Mini RadishSticks, check out their website to find a store near you. You can also find a ton of innovative recipes and uses for these colorful, flavorful root vegetables. Since they’re sold in convenient resealable bags washed, sliced, and ready to eat, they can easily be used as a quick snack along with your favorite dip.
Have you ever used radishes in a sweet or savory dish? I’d love to hear about your favorite recipes.
Images/Recipe: Rockin’ Mama
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