Chocolate Zucchini Breakfast Muffins Protein & Nutrient Rich

Revising favorite recipes to boost the nutrition levels.  This Chocolate Zucchini muffin recipe was always a favorite.  And now with the updates, I think the muffins turned out really well, even Scarlett approved. She had one after lunch and just now at 4pm she's asking for another.  That's a good sign that it's worth making.

The reason I wanted to make these, well, there are a couple of reasons.  One is this is what I love to do.  Take a delicious recipe that is tried and true that we love and make it healthier.  And two, is I have a mom that is fighting cancer, recovering from brain surgery and a stroke that is the result of the brain surgery.. and I am trying to come up with more nutrient dense meals or even bites, if you will.  The amount of food she eats coming out of chemotherapy is so minimal and every bite crucial.  I am a firm believer in food as medicine and using nutrition to boost your immune system and healing. 
Praying this overcomes the evil known as chemo.  

But not just for mom, this is something that is perfect for breakfast on the run for anyone.  

A couple of things I recommend for anyone trying to make things a bit healthier in the kitchen... throw out the cocoa powder in your pantry and get some live superfood Cacoa powder.  It will change your life.  
We make these most delicious-super-chocolatey brownies with it.  Add it to a cup of hot milk with some honey for a super healthy hot cocoa.  Make these Chocolate (cocoa) banana pancakes which require no syrup.. and all nothing to feel guilty about. When Scarlett asks for hot cocoa, I am happy to give it to her.   The nutrient boost is a real thing, raw, full-bodied chocolate flavor, packed with anti-oxidants.. this is my favorite and I purchase it there.  I am partial to balinese sourced, but that may be simply because it's one of my favorite places to travel.  Probably.  However, cocoa tasting.. bring it on! Would love to taste the differences.  

Did you know?.... Raw Cacoa Powder has more anti-oxidants than blueberries, red wine and black and green teas.  Four times the antioxidants than green tea!  
Cacao beans are rich in a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese. 

It also has healthy fats. Cacao contains oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, also found in olive oil, that may raise good cholesterol. Also, substances found in cacao are known to help reduce appetite. 

But this isn't all cocoa powder.. this is when in it's purest form.  That is why raw live cacoa powder is best and considered a superfood!  

Alright.. head on down and make some already! 

Dense, dark and delicious.
Packed with zucchini and healthy choices, but you won't even think about that.. they're that delicious. 

I made mine in these "muffin top" pans.
But this can be made in a regular muffin pan and loaf pan also.

Chocolate & Zucchini Muffins 

1 1/2 cups brown sugar (I mix 1/2 turbinado & 1/2 coconut sugar) 

1/4 cup butter, melted

3/4 cup coconut oil, unrefined

3 lg (or 2xl) eggs

1 t. vanilla

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

2 cups grated zucchini

1 cup dark chocolate chips (tossed with 1 T. flour)

2 cups whole wheat white flour

1 cup cacoa powder, sifted (Cocoa powder if you don't have Cacoa)

1/2 t. kosher salt

2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. cloves

1/8 t. nutmeg (or large pinch)

2 t. cinnamon 

1/2 c. peanut protein powder or whey protein powder (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 350º F. 

Lightly grease large muffin pans with coconut oil or line with muffin cups.


In a medium bowl mix together the sugar, butter and oil. Beat in eggs, one at a time until well Incorporated. Stir in vanilla, yogurt, zucchini and chocolate chips.

In another bowl mix together all of the dry ingredients. Add to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. Spoon batter into large muffin pans. 

Bake in the center of the oven for about 35 minutes. 

Cool on a wire rack.  

Note: Do not overcook as they will dry out. 

In it to END IT

Slavery must end. Today we raise our collective voice for those who cannot raise theirs. ❌ #EndItMovement

My Rights

Laying down my rights, stepping out in faith, trusting my God who is ever faithful.

Huge Movement toward Ending It

This is awesome in the fight against slavery and human trafficking which is so close to my heart.  Sen. McCain, Sen. Bob Corker, Ashton Kutchner and Elisa Massimoni totally rock and I am so excited that this is coming to a bigger awareness where action can be made and rescue can begin to happen on a larger scale.  Ashton's testimony is so compelling and exciting! Thorn is doing amazing work.  Thank you God for this. 

End It . . . Action We All Can Take

Perspective! Pornography is the CATALYST of SEX trafficking. It objectifies both parties involved. It is the machine that drives the engine. Endorsing Pornography=Endorsing Sex Trafficking. Something to ponder: 
(#Repost @dalepartridge) ...It doesn't matter how many red X's you draw on your hands if those same hands are clicking on pornography sites in the darkness of your bedrooms. Recent statistics support that one-third of the girls in the videos you're watching and on the sites you're visiting are being actively trafficked. Quit the ignorance. Study after study support the unarguable connection between the growth in pornography viewership and the rise of human trafficking. In other words, your online participation is the very fuel the trafficking industry uses to maintain its growth. So you can keep on watching your documentaries, you can keep on partaking in your public protests, you can even keep on praying for these girls, but until you recognize that your online habit is wrong, sinful, and dangerous your efforts will remain impeded. 

Photo via @nytimes #DaleyWisdom #enditmovement #humantrafficking #purity

Why we freeze zucchini

A little bit of summertime from the freezer on this cold morning! 

#zucchinipancakes

Happy New Year

It's a new year! #2017 #beginagain #jesusislife

Friday Perspective

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much to be grateful! Enjoy your day with family and friends, remembering above all it is Christ who enables us from death to life! Speak words of life with those around, be a light and a difference that makes them want to know "who is this Jesus?" 

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful. - Col. 3:15

Coconut-Coconut Granola & Banana Crunch Coconut Muffins

So, you've had granola.  And not another granola recipe, you say.  Almost opting yourself right out of reading this one.  Don't.. keep reading.  

In the past few years, I admit losing my love of granola. Super crunchy cereal, pantry basic.  No big deal.   And then, you try some that transforms this breakfast snack into another world.  This recipe did that for me and I will never look at granola the same.  It is found after many years of making dozens of versions.  Finally landed on this perfection.. and it's something I get excited about.   It is great by the handful.. or use it with cold milk alone.. deelish.  In yogurt, so good. In baked muffins.. ah-mazing!  So, try it.  It will change your ever loving granola life.  And, it's makes a great gift. Often I add chopped dark chocolate chunks.. makes an even more amazing treat! 

Banana Crunch Coconut Muffins

And soon after falling in love, make these muffins.  Barefoot Contessa's recipe for Banana crunch breakfast muffins which is probably my most requested muffins.. calls for 1 cup of granola and 1 cup of coconut. Using this coconut granola transcends the recipe.  Over the top yum.   I have my version of her muffin recipe posted below. Always trying to opt for a healthier, yet still delicious result.. this recipe was an easy one to bring into the light. Even with 1 cup less sugar (there's added applesauce) and switching to whole wheat flour.. these babies are still rich and decadent as far as muffins go.  Hey, there is still 2 sticks of butter in there.  However, it does make 18 good size muffins.. or 24 regular.  The original recipe would be closer to a dessert than a breakfast item.  Again, another great gift.

Back to the granola for a minute..  I am using coconut oil here, which not too long ago was wrongly looked down upon.  We were scared into believing that it was a horrible fat.  Well, just like olive oil, avocados and nuts.. we are learning that these fats are actually good for us and necessary for good health.  

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancers, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc. 

In other words, its AH-MAZING and we should try and use it wherever we can.   

When buying coconut oil.. virgin is best where not heated to a high heat, but warmed and used.  Virgin coconut oil has a distinct light coconut flavor.    It is an investment, but worth it.   However, I have noticed it newly upon the Trader Joe's shelves and their prices are always very reasonable.  Just remember.. IF heating, don't use virgin.  Try coconut oil when making popcorn.. so good!

Jojo's Coconut Coconut Granola
     6 C. rolled organic oats


     1 2/3 C. unsweetened shredded coconut

     
1/2 C. raw clover honey

     1/3 C. virgin coconut oil

     
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
     
1 tsp. kosher salt
 

1. Heat oven to 300º F.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats and shredded coconut.
3. In a small saucepan, cook honey, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer.
4. Pour honey/oil mixture over oats and coconut flakes, and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.
5. Spread out granola on a baking sheet. Place in oven, bake for 10 minutes, then stir granola. Repeat until granola is well-toasted..  approximately 40 minutes total cooking time.
6. Cool on baking sheet, stirring occasionally.  When cooled, store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks. Can refrigerate or freeze for longer shelf life.





Banana Crunch Coconut Muffins

3 cups white whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 extra-large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk

1 cup applesauce
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 bananas)

1 cup medium-diced ripe bananas (1 banana)
1 cup small-diced walnuts

1 cup Jojo's coconut coconut granola
1 cup shredded coconut

Topping:  Dried banana chips, roughly chopped and shredded coconut, optional

1.  Preheat the oven to 350º    Line 18 large muffin cups with paper liners. 

2.  In bowl of stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3.  Add the melted butter and blend.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, applesauce, vanilla and mashed bananas, and then add them to the flour-and-butter mixture. Scrape the bowl and blend well. Don't over mix.
5.  Fold the diced bananas, walnuts, granola, and coconut into the batter.
6.  Spoon the batter into the paper liners, filling each 1 to the top. I use a large ice-cream scoop.
7.  Top each muffin with chopped banana chips and coconut, if desired.
8.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. 9.  Cool slightly, remove from the pan, and serve.

Zucchini Bread Simple & delicious

Zucchini Bread

This recipe for basic zucchini bread is my tried and true.  It works every time.  It's delicious. It has less sugar than it used to and I don't miss it. It's got more zucchini than most recipes.  It freezes well.  It's sturdy and is even more delicious topped with tarragon chicken salad served as a light lunch or as an hors d'oeuvre. 

If my zucchini bread ever needed a profile for a dating site.. there you have it. It's all good.. you should make it yours. 

Jojo's Zucchini Bread

Dry Ingredients:

3¼ cups ap flour (whole wheat white is what we prefer)

1½ teaspoons salt (I use Kosher)

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking soda

1½ cups of sugar

Wet Ingredients: 

1 cup of Olive Oil (or Coconut oil .. but be sure to warm it to liquid state)

4 eggs, beaten

2/3 cup of water

3 cups of zucchini, grated on a box grater

zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon lemon juice (juice after zesting!) 

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat Oven to 350º

Butter or spray (2) 9x5" loaf pans or (5) mini loaf pans. Sprinkle buttered pans with sugar, emptying out excess. (Sugar is optional.. I like it because it gives a crunch to the crust.)

Whisk together all dry ingredients (except nuts if adding) in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl mix together wet ingredients, then fold into the dry.  Add nuts or add ins*

Bake 1 hour or until done.  (Tester comes out clean, no wet batter) 

*Add ins.... 

Besides walnuts ... You can also try pecans, pistachios, raisins, chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, dried coconut flakes, chopped dried apricots or figs, chopped crystallized ginger or some combination thereof. To start, keep the add-ins to a cup or less. 

Note.. Often this bread takes me 10-15 minutes more baking time.  This is depending on oven, pans, etc...  Always test the center. 

15 min. Super Easy Healthy Mac & Cheese (Rice Cooker Method)

This recipe is super easy, super pleasing (kid's favorite!) and quick!.. about 15 minutes.  It puts to good use the rice cooker.  I actually make rice on the stove and only use my rice cooker for this recipe.  It is my go-to when we want something quick, wholesome and delicious.  Most of which is pantry staples.  We often add a vegetable...  sometimes broccoli, sometimes peas, sometimes baby carrots.. Add some cauliflower if you think  your kids won't enjoy seeing green in their mac and cheese.  A good stir at the end and it disappears, but those nutrients don't!  Simply delicious on it's own too.   Change the cheese.. and possibilities are endless.  We use homemade chicken bone broth or a good quality low sodium chicken broth when we don't.  The broth makes it savory, completely absorbs into the pasta and adds a good source of protein.     

Bone Broth Mac and Cheese (Rice Cooker Method) 

2 cups pasta (your choice we use all kinds)

2 cups bone broth or chicken stock (enough to barely cover pasta) 

pinch of sea salt (depends on your broth)

Add pasta, broth and salt to rice cooker, cover with lid and turn to cook setting.  Let bubble away...  My rice cooker takes about 10 minutes. Liquid should be mostly gone and pasta tender. 

Add:

1 1/2 cups grated cheese (I like a combo of cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan)
1/2 cup whole milk

Stir to combine (adding vegetables, if you choose to) Cover with lid and cook 5 more minutes.  
If you like a crust on the bottom, don't stir til finished.  If you (are completely mad and) don't like a crusty cheese crust, then stir a time or two. I happen to think the crust is the best part.  Scarlett however does not like this part at all. It works out great for us. 

Options..

add 1/2 teaspoon of dry ground mustard and a shot or 2 of Worcestershire sauce