Bliss Muffins

Bliss Muffins 

Makes 5 Muffins 

I call these bliss muffins because my first bite into them taste of the batter was pure bliss. Not to mention, "Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter Banana Blueberry Muffins" just does not really roll off the tongue. These muffins are vegan, gluten-free, wheat-free, and do not contain any refined ingredients. Although they may look small, one of these muffins is quite filling thanks to the nutritional punch they pack. Whole grains, healthy fats, and fruit? Count me in!

1 tsp flax meal (ground flax)

1 small ripe banana, mashed (93 g)

2 TBS unsweetened applesauce

2 TBS unsweetened almond milk, plus more if necessary

1 TBS + 1 tsp Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter (CVSB) *see note

1 packet NuNatural's stevia

1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

2/3 cup rolled oats, ground into flour using food processor (or about 1/2 oat flour)

1/2 tsp baking powder 

1/4 tsp baking soda

a pinch of salt

1/3 cup blueberries

1 strawberry (for topping)

First, mix flax meal with 1 TBS hot water (just under boiling is good) and let sit until it becomes thick. Quickly mix with a fork to incorporate until it resembles the consistency of an egg.

Next, combine flax seed mixture, mashed banana, applesauce, almond milk, CVSB, stevia, and vanilla extract in a bowl. In another bowl, mix oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined. If the batter seems to stiff, add more almond milk. Stir in blueberries. Equally divide the mixture between 5 spots in the muffin tin (lined or greased), making sure to fill the empty spaces with water to ensure even baking (a 6-muffin tin works best for this). Place a slice of strawberry on top.

Bake at 350*F for 15-20 minutes. Immediately remove muffins from tin and place on a cooling rack (if you can wait).

Enjoy by itself or crumbled and warmed with almond milk and strawberries.

*Note: Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter can be bought at Naturally Nutty's website here or at select Whole Foods (or maybe even your local health foods store). Of course, you could just substitute your favorite nut butter for it, but CVSB really takes this recipe over the edge. Not only is it packed with nutrional powerhouses (hemp and flax), but it even tastes like frosting! Trust me, you will be very happy if you can find it (especially if you make these muffins *wink).

P.S. My mom quite enjoyed Naturally Nutty's Honey Roasted Cinnamon Peanut Butter, too; the empty jar is proof.