easy breakfast. zucchini muffins

Marathon training is underway, which means- I am hungry all the time! I have a few staple things I make weekly that my family lives on. Typically, every Monday, I am in the kitchen whipping up our protein cookies, protein balls, granola (more on those two soon!) and zucchini muffins. Today I am going to share the healthy zucchini muffin recipe!

Zucchini muffins have been a life saver for me on busy school mornings. A bonus with these muffins is you can make big batches, freeze them, and pop some out the night before for the next morning!

Zucchini muffins

  • 1 2/3 cups white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
  • 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup almond milk (or whatever you prefer)
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups grated fresh zucchini (about 1 zucchini)
  • 1/3 cups old-fashioned oats (uncooked)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease, or line with paper liners a 12-count muffin pan.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, flaxseed, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, maple syrup, milk, coconut oil and vanilla extra. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredient mixture and stir them together JUST until combined. Do not over mix. Once combined, stir in the grated zucchini and oats.

Divide batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups- sprinkle the top of each muffin with some oats. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Let cool to room temperature and store in a sealed container for 2-3 days or freeze them for an easy, yummy, fast, future breakfast!

**if you want a sweeter muffin- throw in 1/4 cup brown sugar to the dry mixture

happy cooking!

xox

aj

 

{vegan} mexican stuffed bell peppers


Need something healthy, delicious, and quick on the menu this week? I have a winner for you!

Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

  • 4 large bell peppers- any color
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 15oz. can black beans
  • 1 cup corn (frozen/can/or fresh!)
  • 2 green onions
  • 2/3 cup salsa
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast (it’s a vegan substitute for cheese- you can use your favorite cheese too if you’re not vegan)
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbs hemp seeds
  • optional things to add: tomatoes, green chiles
  • optional toppings: guacamole, more salsa, more cheese (for non-vegan)!

Directions:

Cook quinoa according to package directions- you can use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor. Meanwhile, halve bell peppers, remove seeds, stems, and ribs and preheat oven to 350.

Rinse and drain black beans, corn, and slice the green onions. In a large bowl add the cooked quinoa and all remaining ingredients except for the bell peppers. Salt and add additional spices to taste!

In a lightly oiled/sprayed 9×13″ baking dish, place your bell peppers cut side up. Fill/stuff each with a generous amount of filling. Make sure to fill all the crevices – press down and keep stuffing! Cover dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes more. Enjoy!