Garden Lites’ Stealthy Veggie Muffins

(photo courtesy of Garden Lites)

(Roberta Deen) The Garden Lites company is focused on getting more vegetables into home menus and they are sneaky about it. 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.

These Garden Lites tasty marvels are gluten-free, peanut and tree nut-free, non-gmo and veggie-rich. They include a boost of fiber (3 grams), and protein (4 grams) but at 11 grams are not sugar-free. Egg whites and whole eggs are used so they are not vegan. This product is Weight Watchers-rated and Oprah-noted. 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.

Of the flavors on offer, the Blueberry Oat pleased us most with its ample portion of plump berries and fresh berry taste. Dark, tender Chocolate was next with a moist, brownie-like texture and dark cocoa flavor. (They would make a nice office party addition with a spritz of real whipped cream.) The Banana Chocolate Chip was full of dark chips with a light banana presence. (These would dress up nicely with a chocolate-dipped slice of fresh banana.)

Garden Lites veggie muffins (They now come in five flavors.) are a welcome addition to the growing supply of gluten-free products that have come so far in such a short time. True celiacs enjoy these as will the vegetable-challenged.

I highly recommend visiting the colorful Garden Lites website at for their simple-to-prepare recipes, coupons, and tips for getting kids to ease into loving vegetables. Even, perhaps, husbands.  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