Divine Carrot Cake Muffin

I've just come across this recipe and totally fell in love....perfect for a healthy snack at home or school. Although I haven't had time to preare it, it is one of those recipes that you just know it will be perfect! Kids will love it! Can't wait to try it myself.

Carrot Cake Muffin

Servings: 12 portions

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup raw brown (turbinado) sugar
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1 1/3 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup golden raisins tossed with 1 teaspoon unbleached all purpose flour, or 2/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees with the rack in the upper third of the space. Oil or butter muffin tins. Sift together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda spices and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, oil, buttermilk and vanilla. Using a whisk or a spatula, stir in the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Do not beat; a few lumps are fine, but make sure there is no flour at the bottom of the bowl. Fold in the raisins or pecans and the carrots. Spoon into muffin cups, filling them to just below the top (about 4/5th full). Place in the oven, and bake 25 minutes until lightly browned and well risen.

Nutritional information per muffin (based on 12-muffin yield): 239 calories; 1 gram saturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 32 milligrams cholesterol; 38 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 323 milligrams sodium; 5 grams protein

Source: NYTimes