Orange Pecan Raisin Muffins

This is similar to the plum muffin recipe I created recently. I love muffins, so I'm always excited about dreaming up a new muffin recipe. Especially one that's diverse, in regard to ingredients, and healthy as well.

Here's my latest. . .
First, preheat your oven to 350°

~ Put this first group of room temperature ingredients into your blender jar ~

1c plain, whole milk Greek yogurt
2 lg. pasture raised eggs
2/3c melted coconut oil
2/3c pure Maple syrup

2T pure Mexican vanilla
10oz. orange or other fruit juice
1# whole Cutie mandarins cut up
~ check for seeds and remove centers

Pulse until everything is well blended and there are no big pieces of orange peel visible.

~ Whisk together in a BIG bowl ~

1c all purpose unbleached flour
1c quick cooking rolled oats
1c coconut flour
1/2c buckwheat flour

2T ground flax seed
2T baking powder

1T pumpkin pie spice

1t Himalayan pink salt

~ Stir In ~

1c raisins
1c chopped pecans

Pour the contents of the blender into the big bowl, about half at a time. Mix quickly, just until everything is incorporated. Spoon into paper-lined muffin cups -or- silicone muffin cups and greased loaf pans.

Bake the muffins 20 minutes and the loaves for about 30, or until each passes the clean toothpick test. . .Lin

Coconut Milk Coffee Creamer

I have yet to find inexpensive, healthy variations of this at the grocery store.

This is dairy-free and has a little sweetness. I added vanilla, but use whatever flavoring you like, or just stick with the flavors of coconut and whatever you're using for sweetness - honey, molasses or Maple syrup.

1 can coconut milk
1-2t± pure vanilla
1-2T± pure Maple syrup
a pinch of Himalayan pink salt

Put all of this in a shaker type container with a secure top. Shake well to mix. Store in the refrigerator. . .Lin

Coconut-Maple-Vanilla Coffee Creamer

I found a vanilla-coconut-almond coffee creamer I really liked at our local Co-Op, but it was $6+ for a not so big carton. I decided to try making some.

1 13.66oz can coconut milk
2T± pure Maple syrup
1T± pure vanilla

Whisk these together and store in a glass jar in the refrigerator. This will keep well a week or longer.

Just 3 ingredients and it turned out really well, for about 1/3 the cost of the brand at the Co-Op. If you're staying away from dairy, you might want to give this one a try. . .Lin

Crunchy Tuna-Egg Salad ➕ Maple-Pepper Lemonade

This was the perfect breakfast!

I once saw a Chiropractor who often said a big steamy mug of lemon water with pepper was cleansing, anti-inflammatory and a wonderful way to start each day. I've added a bit of honey over the years, then I discovered Maple syrup dissolves so much better, even in cold water, so my take on this healthy, cleansing drink is at the bottom of this post.

This photo is pretty self-explanatory. Since I don't usually measure, I'm not giving exact amounts.

5-6 celery stalks

4-5 mini dill pickles

1 extra large green onion

Chop all these into a medium glass bowl then add a big dollop of mayonnaise, about 1/2T Dijon, a splash of good vinaigrette and a good shake of red and mixed seasonings.

Chop the eggs and tuna and gently mix with the rest of the ingredients in the bowl.

2 pasture raised eggs

1 can of tuna - drained

I had a big scoop of this on a piece of really good, toasted, sourdough bread. A chopped campari tomato and part of a skinny English cucumber. This mug of hot lemonade really brought it all together!

Into a big glass picture, pour about 3/4" of pure Maple syrup. Add twice that amount of pure lemon juice. I buy this amazing stuff in a 2-bottle pack at Costco and now, since discovering it, get nervous when I'm down to that last bottle! I love this!

Next, fill the pitcher half way with cold water, sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper, and about 4 pinches or shakes of cayenne pepper. Stir well, fill the pitcher, stir again. Pour some into a mug, heat and drink. . .every drop! Then refill and drink some more.

If you'd rather have this iced, just be sure to stir well before pouring over crushed or cubes. . .Lin