Healthy Snack – Beetroot, Cacao and Almond Muffins

Lately I have been getting a little bit tired of my usual snacks, they’re starting to feel just a little repetitive…organic fruits, yoghurts, nuts, seeds and various other home-made treats… sound familiar?

So while I have had the time, I have been on the hunt for healthy and equally as delicious snacks to add to my recipe collection. I came across this recipe from ‘The Healthy Chef’ and if you are a beetroot, chocolate and almond lover… it’s an absolute winner! These gems were simple to prepare, didn’t break my budget and are so unbelievably tasty.

Just a small tip, change into some older clothes that you won’t mind getting beetroot stains on, and perhaps some gloves if you don’t like getting your hands dirty… unless you’re a clean cook unlike me… who ended up with grated beetroot everywhere and lovely beetroot stained hands and clothes!

These muffins are the perfect ‘pick me up’ in the morning or afternoon and can be eaten warm for up to 3-5 days when stored in an air tight container, they also freeze really well.

The nutritionist in me always looks at how the foods I eat are going to nourish my body… so here are just some of the many health benefits of this delicious snack:

Beetroots are packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help support the body in a variety of ways (keep an eye out for a new blog post dedicated to antioxidants… coming soon).

Cacao is associated with a reduced risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes according to studies from the British Medical Journal. Cacao also contains compounds that act as stimulants believed to boost serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain, making you feel gooood. It also contains the stimulants theobromine and caffeine that can increase alertness and give you a pleasurable sensation similar to the high people get after exercise… even better!

Eggs and almonds are packed with protein your body needs to help with growth and repair as well as supporting a healthy immune system, almonds also contain calcium, to help maintain healthy bones and teeth, reduce hypertension and assist in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Cinnamon is said to have high levels of antioxidants, improve circulation, assist in lowering cholesterol and helps to regulate blood sugar levels (cinnamon is a great sugar replacement, especially among diabetics).

This snack certainly packs a nutritional punch!

Beetroot, Cacao and Almond Muffins

Ingredients (use as many organic products as possible)

2 large beetroot, grated raw with skin (wash thoroughly first)

2 free range, organic eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (my favourite is ‘Queen Organic Vanilla Bean Paste’)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1  ½ cups ground almonds or almond meal

3 tablespoons raw cacao powder

3 tablespoons your choice coconut oil or melted organic butter

¼ cup raw organic honey or pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon gluten free baking powder or 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Methods

1) Preheat your oven to 160 C fan forced or 180 C with no fan.

2) Combine all ingredients into a large bowl.

3) Mix well with your hands until combined (or blend together using a food processor for a smoother consistency)

4) Pour the mixture into paper lined cupcake (makes 6 large cupcakes) or small muffin tins (makes 12 small muffins).

5) Bake for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.

6) Remove from the oven and cool completely in the tin.

7) Serve alone or topped with a dollop of your favourite organic yoghurt or ricotta cheese (I served mine with natural yoghurt).

8) Place remaining muffins in an air tight container, store in the pantry or freezer, depending when you wish to eat them.

So there you have it… just another nutrient dense, healthy snack to add to your list, hope you love them as much as I do!

Bec xxx