Real Food Friday Feast - Grain free apple and cinnamon mini-muffins

It's been a while since we had any baked goods in our house simply because time has been limited the last few weeks. Well, I had a craving, I knew my food post was due today and I decided to experiment:)

The reason I made mini-muffins is simply because I have more of those trays than I do the normal size ones. It has nothing to do with trying to limit calories, I promise;) Though these little babies have only 49 calories per muffin so you can eat them with a clear conscience. They are also grain free which makes them extra good for you.

Why apples? Well, I currently have a fridge-full because I'm making lots of apple cider vinegar while apples are in season! They're also yummy and go so well with cinnamon. But there are a few other reasons why I chose apples:

• Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research have found that eating flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23%. Researchers have identified several compounds in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. But, just in case you were wondering, the whole apple ALSO has a benefit. It has been proven to reduce the number and size of mammary tumours in rats so that's a really good sign for humans too!
• A new study performed on mice shows that drinking apple juice could keep Alzheimer’s away and fight the effects of ageing on the brain. In the study, the mice that were fed an apple-enhanced diet showed higher levels of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine and they did better in maze tests than those on a regular diet.
• Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin can help boost your immune system, especially when you're stressed.
• The soluble fibre in apples is good for SO many things: 
• It helps to decrease your risk of diabetes
• It helps protect against parkinsons
• It helps reduce cholesterol
• It makes your heart healthier
• It prevents gallstones
• It prevents both constipation and diarrhoea
• It controls your weight

Seems mom was right! An apple a day keeps the doctor away;)

Without further ado, here is your recipe:

Grain Free Apple and Cinnamon mini-muffins

Ingredients

1 large egg (free range)

2 Tbs plain yogurt

4 Tbs melted butter

1 Tbs raw honey

1 apple (chopped or grated, or just stick it in your food processor for a few seconds)

3/4 cup chickpea flour

1/2 tsp bicarb

1 tsp cinnamon

Method

• Preheat your oven to 180°C
• Into a mixing bowl add the egg, yogurt, butter, honey and apple
• Blend together well
• Add flour, bicarb and cinnamon
• Blend together well
• Butter your trays
• Use about a tablespoon of mixture for each muffin depending on the size of your tray
• Bake in oven for 10 minutes
• Enjoy!

Quickest dessert ever! Of course, you can also make these into big muffins. Double the recipe if you want more of them.

I will be in Durban until Tuesday so Monday's post won't be happening I'm afraid but I will be back in action on Wednesday!

Have a wonderful weekend!