Almond Zucchini Muffins

Almond Zucchini Muffins:

Ingredients

1. 1 cup zucchini, grated

2. 1 cup creamy all-natural almond butter

3. 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (Lakanto or Choc Zero brand for sugar free choice)

4. 2 large eggs

5. 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds

6. 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

7. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

8. 1 teaspoon vanilla

9. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

10. 1/4 teaspoon salt

11. OPTIONAL: 2 Tbsp. dark chocolate chips or chunks (sugar-free)

12. Chopped sliced almonds to top (optional)

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 375°F (191°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin by spraying well with cooking spray, or line the tins with paper liners. Set aside.

2. Add all ingredients except chocolate chips into a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Gently stir in chocolate chips.

3. Fill each muffin cavity about ¾ full with the muffin mixture.

4. Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean without any batter. Allow muffins to cool for 5-10 minutes or until they are firm enough and cool enough to handle. Remove from tin and let cool completely on a wire rack. If they’re sticking at all, use a butter knife to go along the rim of the muffin tin to help you detach the muffin from the tin and get them out in one piece. Muffins are always best fresh, but these will keep airtight in the fridge for about 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Note: The tops of the muffins rise nicely in the oven but will deflate a bit as they cool. I also noticed that the top of the muffins stay a little moist. For this reason I recommend storing the leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge or the freezer. They freeze really nicely and you can quickly thaw them in the toaster oven or by just letting them sit out at room temperature for a bit.

adapted from https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/author/eating-bird-food