Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Apple Carrot Whole Grain Kefir "Cupcake" Muffins



Yay! More healthy cupcakes!  These are made with carrots, apples or pineapple, kefir, and whole wheat.  Super yummy!  You can frost them with cream cheese icing or just eat them as muffins.  Very moist and delicious!






Ingredients:
2 cups grated carrots
2 cups grated apples OR 1 large can drained crushed pineapple
1 1/2 cups sugar or equivalent sugar alternative
1/2 cup coconut oil or melted butter
1/2 cup ripened milk kefir
3 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla
3 cups whole wheat flour
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda*

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Cream together sugar, eggs, oil, kefir carrots, apples, and vanilla.  In a separate bowl combine remaining ingredients and then gradually combine to carrot mixture.  Stir until well blended.  To use the kefir as leavening, let batter stand on countertop for 1-2 hours before baking.

Pour into lined muffin cups.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

*Depending on your kefir, baking soda may not be needed.  Kefir acts as leavening.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Chicken & Rice Casserole (Freezable),



2 c. diced cooked chicken
1 1/2 cup sauce (below)
3/4 c. mayonnaise, sour cream, or kefir cream
1 tbsp. lemon juice
2 c. diced celery
2 tbsp. minced onions
2 c. cooked rice

Sauce:
3 tbs butter
3 tbs flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup chicken stock

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and stir until the butter and flour are well combined. Pour in milk and stock, stirring constantly as it thickens. Add more milk depending on desired consistency.
Combine all ingredients and stir thoroughly.
Optional: Add fresh or frozen peas or broccoli, top with crushed corn flakes or cheese.

For dinner tonight: 
Bake in a x13 pan at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. 

For a freezer meal:
Cover with foil and freeze.
To serve: Thaw overnight in refrigerator.  Bake at 350 degrees 45 min to 1 hour or until heated through and bubbly