Tea Time Tuesday: Vegan Blueberry Muffins

Most all of you know that our family has been eating a vegan diet for the last few months. We are eating about  70% raw fruits and vegetables, 25% cooked grains and veggies, and <5% meat and dairy. It was a big change, but a surprisingly easy change. We were facing some ugly health issues and none of the alternatives (medical intervention, disease, death) were very attractive!

So many of my friends can't believe that we are eating this way! We were a fast food, junk food bunch.  But the truth is our whole family has been enjoying all the new foods we've been trying. The older girls and I are learning a new way to cook: without the obvious meat and dairy, but also without white flour or sugar, and using "good" fats. Now, enjoying baking as I do, this has been an adventure!

Since it is Tuesday, I thought I'd share a delicious, vegan muffin recipe with you. If you don't tell anyone these are healthy, they won't know the difference ;-)...I promise! The only ingredient that may be foreign to you is ground flax seed. You can find it at Publix or Wal-Mart on the baking aisle. This is a MUST HAVE product. You can use it as a substitute for eggs or oil, and it is a great source of Omega 3 oils (2600mg/2 Tbsp.) AND it adds protein (3g) and fiber (4g). See...I told you it was a must have!

Vegan Blueberry Muffins (Makes 12)
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup self-rising corn meal
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup almond milk (or reg. milk)
1/2 cup honey
7 Tbsp ground flax seed mixed with 3 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp olive oil
(*I have also made these with 3 Tbsp. unsweetened applesauce and 1/4 cup oil in place of the flax seed and oil listed here.*)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Mix all dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients; stir into the dry just until moistened. Batter will be slightly lumpy. GENTLY fold in blueberries (or any other berry or fruit you like). Fill paper muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 400 for 17-20 minutes.

So good and good for you!!