Garden Lite Mini-Muffins – Hidden Zucchini, Crouching Carrots

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Carrots and zucchini are the first two ingredients in their veggie-forward snack muffins. You would never suspect it from the flavors and textures of these moist little cakes that give every bit the satisfaction of the classic.  And that’s because the Garden Lites company is focused on getting more vegetables into home menus and they are masters.

This is probably not because kids look up the history of every food they eat.  But somewhere along the way, muffins A muffin is an individual-sized, baked product, either a part-raised flatbread baked and then cooked on a griddle (typically unsweetened) and a cupcake-like quickbread, often sweetened and always chemically leavened and baked in a mold. The flatbread is of British or European derivation, dating from at least the early 18th century, while the quickbread originated in North America during the 19th century and the name derived from the German.

Look for them in the freezer section of well-stocked grocery stores in packages of 4 of one flavor and in Costco in packages of 12 of one flavor.

Chocolate muffins are moist, brownie-like texture and dark cocoa flavor.  They work well as a pick-me-up with an espresso and a dollop of coffee ice cream in the afternoon.

Garden Lites veggie muffins now come in a variety of flavors.  They are a welcome addition to the growing supply of gluten-free products that have come so far in such a short time. The vegetable-challenged will enjoy the novelty and taste, as will true celiacs.

The company has thoughtfully researched and the colorful Garden Lites website at for their simple-to-prepare recipes, coupons, and tips for getting kids — or anyone – to ease into loving vegetables. For more information and recipes like the one below, please see //www.gardenlites.com/.

Note: the first two ingredients in Garden Lites Chocolate Muffins are zucchini and carrots! Heat in the microwave to enjoy a decadent lava cake experience for only 120 calories. Deliciously moist and a good source of fiber.

Allergy-friendly! Gluten, Dairy & Nut Free

Mudslide Cupcakes

Yields: 12 cupcakes
Step 1: Heat Chocolate Muffins according to package directions.
Step 2: Brush Kahlua ontop top of the muffin and allow to cool.
Step 3: Top with Bailey’s Frosting
Step 4: Enjoy Responsibly!

Bailey’s Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Butter (1 sticks), softened
• 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt

Directions:

1. Cream butter in mixer
2. Gradually add Powdered Sugar until blended
3. Stir in Irish Cream, Vanilla Extra, and Salt
4. Blend until smooth and creamy